Russian media outlets have spread a new sensational story claiming the prevention of terrorist attacks in Russia on the eve of Victory Day celebrations
According to reports from Russian propagandists, President Vladimir Putin allegedly discussed remarkable successes of Russian intelligence services in thwarting large-scale terrorist plots planned in the center of Moscow and the Kremlin district just before May 9 — Victory Day. Based on sources from Russian state media, particularly TASS agency, citing words of Putin’s aide Yuriy Ushakov, the Kremlin leader purportedly asserted that all threats were eliminated during the night of May 7, on the eve of the mass celebrations. Additionally, according to the Russian leader, Ukraine allegedly attempted to deploy 524 drones and the Storm Shadow missile system against Russia — information that is difficult to verify independently, as it reflects the official Russian perspective on the events. Moreover, the sensational story also claimed that Russian special services reportedly warned about attempts to intimidate and destabilize the situation during festive events attended by thousands of people, including high-ranking guests and foreign delegations. Specifically, Putin, according to the source, discussed with Trump the attempts or threats of terrorist acts that could spoil the celebrations and undermine the atmosphere of the festivities. It is worth noting that this information appeared ahead of a two-day meeting and negotiations between Trump and Putin, which took place on May 19. Following their personal talks, the American president announced to the world that, alongside consultations on the Russian front, he expects Ukraine and Russia to "immediately" begin negotiations aimed at a ceasefire and reducing tensions. Of course, these statements immediately raised increasing questions within the international community and diplomatic circles. After the negotiations, Trump, who has previously expressed his stance on resolving the conflict in Ukraine multiple times, added that, according to his information, both sides are allegedly ready to start dialogue without delay. However, many analysts and commentators from Europe and the US consider this official forecast quite optimistic and unsubstantiated, especially given the lack of significant signs of progress in conflict resolution in the public sphere. In contrast to official diplomatic statements, there have been hints in the media that the situation actually remains tense and not entirely clear, with ongoing scenarios unfolding in military and informational realms. It is possible that the narrative presented by Russian propagandists aims to create an image in the global public of successful Kremlin operations in preventing any "provocations," as well as emphasizing efforts to neutralize potential threats during celebratory events. Overall, despite numerous statements and reports in the media, independent observers doubt this version of events and believe it aligns more with Kremlin political interests in the context of internal and external rhetoric. Meanwhile, the international community is monitoring the situation and refrains from official comments on possible scenarios for the further development of events, leaving the matter under active discussion among diplomats and security experts.