President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian drones may target Russia’s May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow as the Kremlin prepares for one of its most symbolic events.
Speaking at the opening of the 8th Summit of the European Political Community in Yerevan, Zelensky suggested that Russia is no longer capable of showcasing military strength as it has in previous years.
“Russia has announced a parade on May 9, but there will be no military equipment at this parade,” Zelensky said. “This will be the first time in many, many years that they cannot afford the presence of weapons at the parade.”
He added: “And Ukrainian drones can also strike this parade. This shows that they are no longer as strong as before.”
Notably, a Ukrainian drone struck a residential high-rise in western Moscow early Monday, damaging apartments and scattering debris, according to Russian officials and media reports.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said there were no casualties after the drone hit a building near Mosfilmovskaya Street around 1 a.m. Emergency services were deployed to the scene.
Russian Telegram channels, including Mash, reported that the strike hit a high-rise residential complex on Mosfilmovskaya Street. The impact destroyed walls in three rooms on the 36th floor, while part of the facade collapsed onto a parked car below. Debris and shattered glass were reportedly scattered across the area.
According to the outlet Astra, the building is located about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from the Kremlin.
Sobyanin later said Russian air defenses intercepted two additional drones heading toward the capital, without specifying where they were downed.
The incident follows a series of drone attacks on Moscow earlier in May. On May 3, Sobyanin said eight drones targeting the city were intercepted during the day, temporarily disrupting airport operations.
Zelensky, during his speech, said this summer could prove decisive in shaping Russia’s next move in the war.
“This summer will be the moment when [Russian President Vladimir] Putin decides what to do next: expand this war or move toward diplomacy. And we must push him toward diplomacy,” Zelensky said.
He stressed that sustained pressure on Russia remains essential, particularly through sanctions.
“We must continue to apply pressure through sanctions… precisely because these sanctions affect Russian oil, industry, and banks. We must maintain this pressure and push Russia toward diplomatic solutions. The idea of lifting sanctions is unacceptable,” Zelensky added.
His remarks come amid ongoing Ukrainian long-range drone strikes targeting Russian military and energy infrastructure, which Kyiv says are aimed at weakening Moscow’s warfighting capabilities.
Zelensky also said Ukraine is capable of producing a full range of defense systems to protect itself independently, while calling for deeper coordination with European partners on both offensive and defensive technologies.
Speaking on Ukraine’s defense capabilities, he revealed the country can manufacture the necessary tools to counter ballistic and missile threats. At the same time, he suggested expanding cooperation with Europe, particularly in drone technologies, as part of a broader effort to strengthen collective security.
“Ukraine can produce everything in order to further defend itself independently, from ballistic attacks, from missiles. We offer Europe our drone technologies in order to unite all countries together,” Zelensky said.
He stressed that Europe must also improve its own protection against drone threats, warning that future security challenges will require layered defense systems across multiple domains.
“This protection must be provided in the air, on the ground and at sea,” he said.
Zelensky also warned that allies must prepare for the possibility that Russia will not end the war, urging sustained pressure and strategic planning.
“We need to focus on what we will do if Russia does not end this war. We need to continue the pressure and we need peace,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of diplomacy but insisted that Europe must play a central role in any future negotiations with Moscow.
“And of course this is number one – we need to find a working diplomatic format, and Europe should be at the table of any negotiations,” Zelensky said.
While noting ongoing communication with Washington, Zelensky said a unified European position would strengthen efforts to engage Russia.
“We are in contact with the US, we understand their vision and position, but it would be good to develop one common European voice to talk to the Russians,” he added.
Last week, Zelensky had instructed Ukrainian representatives to seek clarification from the team of US President Donald Trump over Russia’s proposed “truce” around May 9, questioning whether it is meant only to secure Moscow’s Victory Day parade.
“Let’s find out what exactly is at stake: a few hours of security for the parade in Moscow or something more,” he said on social media.
He reiterated that Ukraine’s position is a long-term ceasefire that would ensure real security for civilians and a sustainable peace.
The proposal for a temporary halt in fighting during Russia’s Victory Day celebrations reportedly followed a 90-minute phone call between Putin and Trump.
Meanwhile, Russia’s May 9 parade in Red Square is expected to be significantly scaled back, with reports saying no tanks, missile systems, or artillery will be displayed for the first time since 2008.
The Russian Defence Ministry has attributed this to the “current operational situation,” though analysts link the change to equipment shortages and security concerns amid Ukrainian long-range drone strikes.
A short ceasefire, if agreed, could also reduce the risk of drone attacks on Moscow during one of the Kremlin’s most symbolic national events.
Analysts say the timing of Putin’s proposal appears politically driven, aimed at presenting Russia as open to negotiations while placing pressure on Kyiv.
If Ukraine rejects a short truce, Moscow could attempt to frame it as unwilling to pursue peace in the eyes of international audiences.
Victory Day remains Russia’s most important state holiday, with the Kremlin increasingly tying the war in Ukraine to World War II narratives of defeating “Nazism,” while traditionally staging large-scale military parades in Moscow’s Red Square.
Fico, Lukashenko among leaders expected at Moscow’s May 9 parade
As of May 1, seven foreign leaders are expected to attend Russia’s May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow, according to the Russian outlet The Insider.
The publication reported that Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov have confirmed their participation following invitations from the Kremlin.
It added that leaders of the unrecognized territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia – Badra Gunba and Alan Gagloyev – are also expected to attend.
Milorad Dodik, the leader of the ruling party in Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina), has likewise announced plans to visit Moscow.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is also expected in Moscow. His visit was confirmed by Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov on April 29. Russian media reported that Fico may travel by land after Baltic states closed their airspace to his aircraft.
According to Slovak statements cited by Russian media, Fico does not plan to take part in the military parade itself, but intends to lay flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in tribute to Soviet soldiers who fought in World War II.
Earlier claims by Russian propaganda suggested that up to 20 foreign leaders would attend the event, but Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied this, saying he was unaware of any such figure or formal list.
Last year’s Victory Day parade in Moscow was attended by leaders from 27 countries, including China, Serbia, Brazil, Cuba, Armenia, Egypt, Vietnam, Ethiopia, and partially recognized Palestine, along with several other partners and delegations.