A Bad Ukraine-Russia Deal Is a Terrible Deal for Europe
For President Vladimir Putin, Russia’s Victory Day parade — marking the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat — was so important that he offered a three-day ceasefire in his war against Ukraine.
With more than 20 world leaders gathering to watch troops march across Red Square this week, it was an obvious bid to ensure that the parade showcased the power of the Russian military, rather than its vulnerability to Ukrainian long-range drone attacks. Dismissing the offer as a “theatrical performance,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reiterated his call for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, which Putin has for weeks refused to support.