Ukraine not responsible for safety of foreign officials traveling to Moscow for May 9 parade -Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on May 3 that Ukraine cannot guarantee the safety of foreign officials planning to attend Russia’s Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9. According to Interfax Ukraine, Zelensky emphasized that any incidents occurring on Russian territory would be the sole responsibility of the Kremlin.

Speaking at a briefing with journalists, Zelensky said Ukraine’s position was clear: it cannot be held accountable for the safety of foreign dignitaries visiting Russia. He noted that Ukraine has no control over potential developments within the Russian Federation and therefore cannot offer security guarantees. Responsibility, he stressed, lies entirely with Russian authorities.

Zelensky also warned that Russia may orchestrate provocations — such as arsons, explosions, or other attacks — and then attempt to blame Ukraine. Kyiv, he said, had informed all visiting delegations of this risk.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s government has reportedly invited leaders from several countries, including EU member Slovakia, EU candidate Serbia, and global powers such as China, India, and Brazil, to attend the events marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany.

Zelensky said he had instructed Ukraine’s foreign minister to issue clear advisories to any nation reaching out for guidance, telling them that Ukraine does not recommend visits to Russia during that period from a security standpoint. Any country choosing to proceed with such a visit, he added, does so at its own risk and should not expect security assurances from Kyiv.

The Ukrainian president noted that Ukraine has treated nations with historical or neutral ties to Russia — including China — with respect and continues to maintain diplomatic dialogue. However, he reiterated that Ukraine bears no responsibility for security incidents within Russia, emphasizing that the same diplomatic logic applies when Russian officials visit Ukraine.

Zelensky also referenced past incidents, including the March 2024 missile strike on Odesa during a visit by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. That attack, which occurred shortly after Mitsotakis and Zelensky toured the city’s port, killed five people.

While Russia marks Victory Day on May 9 with elaborate military parades, most European countries, including Ukraine, observe Victory in Europe Day on May 8.

Russia's attack on Kharkiv injures 47

A Russian drone attack on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv injured at least 47 people on May 2, local authorities reported. At least eight individuals were hospitalized following the strikes.

President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, saying that there had been no military targets in the area and that there could not have been any. He stated that Russia was striking residential buildings at the very time when Ukrainians were at home, putting their children to bed, and claimed that only tyrants could issue and carry out such orders.

Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, has suffered repeated air assaults since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

According to Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov, the May 2 attack targeted 12 locations across four districts of the city: Kyivskyi, Osnovianskyi, Slobidskyi, and Saltivskyi. Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported that several homes, shops, and vehicles were damaged, and fires broke out in multiple buildings. Emergency services were dispatched to the affected sites.

Zelensky also stated that, while the world was delaying decisions, almost every night in Ukraine turned into a horror that resulted in the loss of lives. He stressed that Ukraine needed strengthened air defenses.

Russian forces have intensified aerial attacks across Ukraine in recent weeks, with deadly strikes reported in cities and towns including Kryvyi Rih, Sumy, Kyiv, Odesa, and Kharkiv.

Zelensky reiterated his call for Ukraine’s allies to increase their military assistance and bolster air defense capabilities in response to Russia’s ongoing campaign against Ukrainian civilians.

Reuters has reported that US officials have prepared a new package of economic sanctions targeting Russia, according to several sources familiar with the matter.

The proposed sanctions reportedly focus on Russia's state energy giant Gazprom, as well as major companies in the natural resources and banking sectors. An administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the targets but did not provide additional details.

While the sanctions are ready, Reuters noted that it remains unclear whether former President Donald Trump will approve them. Although Trump has previously expressed sympathy for Moscow’s rhetoric and actions, his stance has reportedly shifted to frustration over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s rejection of his calls for a ceasefire and peace negotiations. [Editor’s note: Ukrainska Pravda does not recognize Vladimir Putin as president of Russia.]

A source familiar with the matter said that the US National Security Council was working to coordinate a set of more punitive measures against Russia but emphasized that final approval would rest with Trump. A second US official reportedly confirmed that the decision was entirely Trump’s to make.

A spokesperson for the National Security Council, James Hewitt, stated that the president had been consistent in his commitment to achieving a full and comprehensive ceasefire but declined to comment on the specifics of the ongoing negotiations.

The USA prepares new sanctions against Russia

The US Department of the Treasury, responsible for implementing most American sanctions, did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment.

Reuters also pointed out that if Trump were to approve the sanctions, it would follow his Wednesday signing of a US-Ukraine minerals deal, which he had prominently promoted as part of his broader peace initiative. Such a move could signal a hardening of Trump’s position toward the Kremlin.