Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has cautioned the Kremlin that their Victory Day Parade could face potential attacks in retaliation for harsh Russian assaults on his people.
This warning comes as Moscow reports four individuals dead in their recent offensive, and there are indications that Russian President Vladimir Putin is increasingly isolating himself by taking refuge in underground bunkers.
Sources have disclosed that Putin has been residing and working in subterranean lodgings for an extended period due to swirling rumors of a possible internal upheaval, with speculation suggesting his former defense minister, Sergei Shoigu, might be linked to a purported attempt to overthrow him. Meanwhile, amidst attacks on Ukraine’s Kharkiv resulting in casualties, Zelensky has forewarned that the upcoming May 9 Kremlin parade will be notably subdued compared to past grand celebrations.
The upcoming parade, a significant event in Moscow’s military calendar, will be devoid of military displays, marking the first time in many years that such weaponry will be absent. Zelensky remarked that this absence symbolizes a decline in Russia’s strength, emphasizing the potential threat posed by Ukrainian drones to the parade. Reports indicate that Putin, gripped by fear of an uprising, has significantly bolstered his personal security measures.
Recent analysis from an unnamed Western intelligence agency, published by the independent Russian news outlet Important Stories, reveals Putin’s apprehensions over a leak of sensitive data and a possible plot against him. The report specifically highlights concerns about drone-based assassination attempts by Russian political elites, with Shoigu identified as a figure associated with coup risks.
Efforts to undermine Shoigu have surfaced, notably through the arrest of his former deputy on suspicion of illicitly amassing a vast fortune. Security around Putin has been notably tightened, with stringent screening procedures and restricted access to presidential residences. The report also suggests that Putin, together with his partner and children, has sought refuge in fortified bunkers during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
This period of heightened paranoia and isolation reflects Putin’s awareness of the challenges he faces, as internal power struggles intensify within Russia. Recent Russian strikes in Kharkiv resulted in casualties, indicating the ongoing violence and tensions in the region. Ukrainian air defense forces successfully intercepted a significant number of drones launched by Russia, underscoring the volatile situation between the two nations.
