Russia warns Ukraine against provocations on May 9 when many world leaders attend Moscow's Victory Day celebrations

MOSCOW

Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council on Saturday warned Ukraine against provocations on May 9, Victory Day celebrated in Russia in commemoration of Nazi Germany’s surrender during World War II.

Commenting on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's statement about Russia's incapability to ensure the safety of world leaders who plan to attend the festive events in Moscow on May 9, Medvedev described them as "veiled threats."

Medvedev, who served as the Russian president from 2008 to 2012, also criticized Zelenskyy for turning down Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal to declare a three-day ceasefire on Victory Day.

The official advised Zelenskyy to refrain from "verbal provocations," noting that "in the case of a real provocation on Victory Day, no one guarantees that May 10 will come in Kyiv."

Medvedev is known for making harsh or provocative statements.

Earlier, Zelenskyy opposed Putin's suggestion for a three-day truce on May 9, insisting on an immediate 30-day ceasefire.

Victory Day is a holiday celebrated in Russia and various former Soviet countries on May 9 in commemoration of Nazi Germany’s surrender during World War II, a conflict Russia officially calls the Great Patriotic War.