EDITORIAL - A ceasefire violated; a celebration to be attacked?

Every May 9, Russia celebrates its defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II with a grand military parade.

For the occasion of this year’s parade, Russia has declared a ceasefire in its war again Ukraine. Aside from declaring it won’t attack Ukraine, it also said any attacks Ukraine may carry out during the celebration in different parts of the country will be treated as an “act of terrorism”.

But ahead of the occasion, Russia has violated its own ceasefire and carried out attacks in Ukraine, particularly in the Sumy Region where a kindergarten was hit by a drone attack. According to the BBC, two people were killed, although, thankfully, no children were at the school during the time.

With what it has done, Russia cannot expect Ukraine to not consider carrying out attacks during their celebration. And the rest of the world will barely consider it an act of terrorism.

To put it into context, Russia has no moral authority to claim any attacks from Ukraine against them as an act of terrorism, what with what they have been doing to Ukraine since 2022.

Ukraine cannot be blamed if it wants to step up attacks; it might be smelling blood.

Russia isn’t doing as well in this war as it’s trying to show to the rest of the world. One obvious sign we can see is its increasing dependency on foreign mercenaries and its active recruitment of people from China, Mongolia, and North Korea, and even from as far afield as Africa.

Considering the population Russia has, it shouldn’t have problems deploying soldiers; we think this shows many of its own citizens aren’t willing to fight in this war.

Russia also said ahead of the celebration that the military parade in Red Square will feature “no heavy military hardware” because of the “current operational situation.”

Experts are saying it’s possible even showpiece military hardware are now being fielded or considered for deployment. But then again Russia may just want to hide their hardware from possible attacks by Ukraine.

To further secure celebrations, Russia has cancelled the victory parades in 27 regions. As to whether Ukraine will strike during this rather opportune time remains to be seen.