victory day parade

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday accused Russia of "utter cynicism" for launching deadly attacks while also seeking a truce to stage its May 9 victory day parade in Moscow. "It is utter cynicism to ask for a ceasefire in order to hold propaganda celebrations while carrying out such missile and drone strikes every single day leading up to it," Zelensky said in a statement in response to the attacks.

Ukraine announced a ceasefire starting May 5-6, prioritizing human life over Victory Day commemorations, with President Zelenskyy criticizing Russia's focus on parades. Russia, however, declared its own truce from May 8-9, coinciding with WWII Victory Day, and warned of massive retaliation if Kyiv disrupts their celebrations.

Kyiv said on Wednesday that Russia had violated a unilateral ceasefire called by Ukraine by attacking Ukrainian cities with 108 combat drones and three missiles overnight. Russia had on Tuesday launched waves of drone, missile and bomb attacks on multiple cities across Ukraine, killing at least 28 people and wounding dozens in one of the deadliest days for civilians in weeks.

US President Trump announced a three-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire from May 9-11, hoping for a long-term peace deal and a prisoner exchange. Despite this, fighting persisted, with both sides reporting attacks. Ukraine accused Russia of continuing assaults, while Russia claimed to intercept numerous drones. The truce follows Russia's Victory Day, a proposal Kyiv had previously dismissed.

In a recent briefing, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declared it too early to delve into the specifics of a potential resolution to the war, even as president Putin hints at a possible end. Peskov underscored Russia's willingness to engage in discussions, insisting that the ball is in Ukraine's court to determine its next moves to cease the special military operation.

Arsenal’s historic run to their first Champions League final in 20 years has been overshadowed by staff frustration after non-working employees were asked to pay £859 for chartered travel to Budapest. While Arsenal offered free match tickets, PSG covered both travel and tickets for staff. The contrast sparked disappointment despite Arsenal’s record revenues and impressive European campaign under Mikel Arteta.

UAE exits Opec, impacting global oil dynamics amid regional tensions. Ukraine escalates attacks on Russia, forcing Moscow to scale back victory day parades. King Charles' US trip strengthens UK-US ties. Syria begins its first transitional justice trial. China pressures African nations, forcing Taiwan's President to cancel a trip.

Australia enjoys a pleasant autumnal break in May, with Queensland and the Northern Territory celebrating public holidays on Monday, May 4th, 2026. Queensland observes Labour Day, while the NT marks May Day, both honouring workers' rights. Other states await their next holidays in June or October. These days offer a perfect opportunity for road trips, beach visits, or simply relaxing.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru began their IPL 2026 season with a strong six-wicket win against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Virat Kohli led the chase with an unbeaten 69. Devdutt Padikkal also played a crucial role with a quickfire 61. The team paid tribute to fans lost last year. This victory sets a positive tone for RCB's campaign.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is on his first official visit to North Korea, aiming to deepen ties between the two nations united by Western sanctions and closeness to Russia. Both countries have supported Moscow's war in Ukraine, with Pyongyang providing troops and weapons. The visit signals solidarity among nations opposing the Western order.

Nearly 10,000 soldiers, including an Indian Army contingent and China's People's Liberation Army, took part in the parade at the iconic Red Square here which lasted for over 90 minutes.

Victims of the Liverpool Premier League parade crash have spoken publicly for the first time months after the incident. Stefan Dettlaf and Dean Townsend shared details of their injuries and emotional trauma. Both said they felt the club did not offer enough support. Liverpool FC says it contacted victims whose details were provided by Merseyside Police.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is unlikely to attend Russia's victory day parade on May 9, with Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth expected to represent India. This decision occurs amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. Russia had initially invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend Russia's victory day parade in Moscow on May 9, as confirmed by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. This decision occurs amidst heightened tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Victory Day is a rare event in the nation’s divisive post-Soviet history that is revered by all political players, and the Kremlin has used that sentiment to encourage patriotic pride and underline Russia’s role as a global power.

Xi Jinping is positioning China as the anchor of global stability, capitalizing on Trump's confrontational foreign policy that has alienated allies and emboldened rivals. This shift is evident in China's growing convening power, attracting nations once aligned with the West. While not yet a new world order, China's rise offers a multi-aligned alternative, challenging US dominance and reshaping global governance.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will on Wednesday meet with the leaders of Venezuela and Cuba, Moscow's traditional allies in South America, the Kremlin said Tuesday. Russian President Vladimir Putin will address the "grandest" ever annual victory day parade in Moscow on Friday, evoking the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II to rally support for his troops fighting in Ukraine.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who is in Moscow for a three-day visit, held a meeting with Myanmar's Military Chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. On Wednesday, Singh attended the victory day parade in Moscow marking the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. A tri-service contingent of the Indian military also participated in the victory day parade.