Zelenskyy: Russia is at war in such a way that even the parade now depends on Ukraine

In his nightly address to the nation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a pointed message regarding Russia's upcoming May 9th Victory Day celebrations. Zelenskyy highlighted the stark reality that Russia's traditional military parade, a symbol of its power, is now contingent on the ongoing conflict and potential Ukrainian actions. This dependence, he asserted, is a clear signal that Russia must end the war.

The President's remarks underscore Ukraine's perspective on the war's trajectory. By drawing attention to Russia's need to factor in Ukrainian capabilities when planning its own military displays, Zelenskyy frames Russia as being on the defensive, despite its aggressive actions. This narrative suggests that Russia's initial objectives have been thwarted, and its current military endeavors are not yielding the expected results, forcing a reevaluation of its strategy and ambitions.

From Kyiv's viewpoint, Russia's situation, as described by Zelenskyy, is a testament to Ukraine's resilience and the effectiveness of its defense efforts. The implication is that Russia's military might is not as absolute as it once projected, and its ability to conduct even symbolic events like the Victory Day parade is now compromised. This framing serves to bolster national morale and reinforce the international perception of Ukraine's struggle against a faltering aggressor, emphasizing that the continuation of the war is a self-inflicted predicament for Moscow.