Medvedev and Zakharova Threatened Zelensky: “May 10 in Kyiv Might Not Come”

Chas Pravdy - 03 May 2025 15:15

Amid heightened tension around upcoming events in Kyiv and Moscow, former Russian Prime Minister and current Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, along with the official spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maria Zakharova, cynically and openly responded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, warning that May 9 — Victory Day — could very well be the last for Kyiv this year. Their statements were posted on the social media platform Telegram and aim to highlight the possible consequences of the Ukrainian side’s refusal to agree to the three-day ceasefire announced by Russia. Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, commenting on Zelensky’s refusal to guarantee security for guests in Moscow on May 9, did not hide his frustration. He considered Zelensky’s words to be provocative, potentially destabilizing the situation. His official statement implied that the Ukrainian president is unable to ensure the safety of his citizens and guests in Kyiv. “And who is asking for his guarantees? It’s just a verbal provocation. Nothing more. Gnid’a (a colloquial term implying cowardice or weakness) understands perfectly well: in the event of a real provocation on Victory Day, no one guarantees that Kyiv won’t face the same fate as in previous years,” Medvedev stated. Meanwhile, Maria Zakharova issued an even more severe statement, accusing Zelensky of betraying his own veterans. In her post, she emphasized that the Ukrainian president “hit rock bottom,” threatening physical danger not only to politicians and government officials but also to veterans who will participate in parades and official events on this holiday. According to her, such statements are particularly cynical and unjustified. “His words that he ‘does not guarantee safety on May 9 on Russian territory’ are a genuine and obvious threat. It’s a direct challenge and a sign of contempt towards veterans and everyone who values the memory of victory,” Zakharova emphasized. These statements came amid Ukraine’s clear stance, as President Volodymyr Zelensky did not support Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s idea of a three-day ceasefire on this symbolically significant day for Russia. Ukraine announced that it would not cease fire, while Moscow seeks to maintain a sense of “unity” ahead of May 9, emphasizing the importance of celebrating and demonstrating strength. Threats and barking from Russian officials suggest that the situation could escalate rapidly, and May 10 might very well become a date for new crises involving Ukraine — or, conversely, a significant day of prolonged tension between the two countries. For now, the official representatives of both sides remain silent about further plans, leaving room for many scenarios, while emphasizing the potential risks lurking in the gray zone between diplomacy and possible escalation. Thus, in this terrible game between Russia and Ukraine, every step is on the edge of risk and provocation. While Moscow warns of potential consequences for Kyiv residents, and Kyiv refuses to succumb to blackmail, the world watches anxiously as events could change the course of history. History, it seems, does not forgive provocations — and increasingly loudly reminds us of the price paid for the independence and freedom of the Ukrainian people.

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