Zelenskyy took a dig at Putin: a decree authorizing a parade in Moscow has been signed
8 May 22:36
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decree authorizing a parade to be held in Moscow on May 9, 2026. The document has been published on the head of state’s official website, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
This refers to Ukrainian Presidential Decree No. 374/2026 “On Holding a Parade in Moscow.” The document is dated May 8, 2026.
The decree stipulates that, for the duration of the parade, Red Square must be excluded from the plan for the use of Ukrainian weapons.
The decree notes that the decision was made for humanitarian purposes and following negotiations with the American side on May 8, 2026.
“Taking into account numerous requests, for humanitarian purposes outlined in negotiations with the American side on May 8, 2026, I hereby decree: to allow a parade to be held in Moscow (Russian Federation) on May 9, 2026,” the document states.
The decree also stipulates that during the parade, starting at 10:00 a.m. Kyiv time on May 9, the area of Red Square is excluded from the plan for the use of Ukrainian weapons.
The document separately lists the coordinates of this area.
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Why this decision is linked to the ceasefire
The decree came amid a statement by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding a three-day ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. According to him, the ceasefire is to be in effect on May 9, 10, and 11, and also provides for a prisoner exchange in a 1,000-for-1,000 format.
Trump stated that the initiative came directly from him, and that the presidents of Ukraine and Russia allegedly supported this proposal. According to the U.S. president, the ceasefire should include a cessation of all hostilities and a large-scale prisoner exchange.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that a prisoner-of-war exchange in a 1,000-for-1,000 format is scheduled for May 9. He also confirmed a ceasefire with Russia for May 9, 10, and 11.
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine received Russia’s consent to the exchange as part of the negotiation process mediated by the United States.
“Today, as part of the negotiation process mediated by the U.S., we received Russia’s consent to conduct a prisoner of war exchange on a 1,000-for-1,000 basis. A ceasefire is also to be established on May 9, 10, and 11,” the president stated.
Zelenskyy added that he had instructed the Ukrainian team to promptly prepare everything necessary for the exchange.
“Red Square is less important than the lives of Ukrainian prisoners”
Separately, Zelenskyy explained why Ukraine agreed to this arrangement on May 9. According to him, an additional argument for Ukraine was the resolution of one of the war’s key humanitarian issues—the return of prisoners of war.
“Red Square is less important to us than the lives of Ukrainian prisoners of war who can be brought home,” Zelenskyy emphasized.
The president also thanked Donald Trump and his team for their diplomatic involvement and stated that Ukraine is counting on the Russian side to ensure the agreements are implemented.
Earlier, Zelenskyy reported that the Russian side had violated the ceasefire that Ukraine had declared starting May 6. The “silence regime” was supposed to begin on the night of May 5–6, but, according to the Ukrainian side, Russian troops continued their attacks.
New reports of shelling, assaults, and drone strikes, according to the president, confirm that Russia’s claims of a ceasefire were not actually implemented on the front lines.
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