Zelensky Allows Moscow Victory Day Parade Amid Prisoner Exchange Deal

In a significant diplomatic move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has authorized a Victory Day parade to proceed in Moscow on May 9th. This decision, outlined in a decree and announced via Telegram, is intrinsically linked to a humanitarian effort: the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war. The agreement, facilitated by the United States, includes a three-day ceasefire from May 9th to May 11th and a reciprocal exchange of 1,000 prisoners from both Ukraine and Russia.

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Raudonoji aikštė mums nėra tokia svarbi kaip Ukrainos belaisvių gyvybės ir galimybė juos susigrąžinti namo.

President Zelensky emphasized that the lives of Ukrainian prisoners are of paramount importance, stating, "Red Square is not as important to us as the lives of Ukrainian prisoners and the opportunity to bring them home." This sentiment highlights Ukraine's prioritization of its citizens' well-being amidst the ongoing conflict. The agreement was reached through negotiations with the American side on May 8th, underscoring the crucial role of international mediation in resolving complex issues.

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Taip pat gegužės 9, 10, 11 dienomis turi įsigalioti paliaubos

As part of the agreement, Zelensky has issued explicit instructions to the Ukrainian military. Notably, the area around Red Square has been excluded from the Ukrainian armed forces' operational plan during the specified dates. Specific coordinates pinpointing the exclusion zone, including areas near the State Duma and St. Basil's Cathedral, were provided in the decree. This measure is intended to ensure the smooth execution of the parade and to uphold the terms of the ceasefire.

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nutariu: leisti 2026 m. gegužės 9 d. surengti paradą Maskvoje (Rusijos Federacija)

From a Lithuanian perspective, this development is viewed with a mixture of relief and apprehension. While the prospect of freeing Ukrainian prisoners is a deeply positive outcome, the allowance of a Russian Victory Day parade, a potent symbol of Russian military might and historical narrative, is a complex issue. The fact that this agreement was brokered with the involvement of the US, and specifically through the efforts of former President Trump, adds another layer to the geopolitical dynamics. The unique aspect here is how Ukraine, while defending its sovereignty, is engaging in such pragmatic, albeit symbolically charged, negotiations to secure the release of its citizens. It demonstrates a strategic approach to diplomacy that prioritizes humanitarian concerns, even in the face of ongoing aggression, a perspective that resonates differently within the Baltic region given its own historical experiences with Russia.

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Atsižvelgdamas į gausius prašymus ir humanitarinį tikslą, aptartą derybose su Amerikos puse 2026 m. gegužės 8 d., nutariu: leisti 2026 m. gegužės 9 d. surengti paradą Maskvoje (Rusijos Federacija)