Moscow goes into lockdown

Ukrainian President Zelensky stated earlier this week that he cannot guarantee what will happen in Moscow during the Victory Day celebrations. There are fears of an attack in Moscow.

Russia has taken measures ahead of the major parade to be held on Friday to celebrate the victory over Nazi Germany and the end of the Second World War. No money is being distributed at cash machines, the airspace is being closed, mobile telephony is not possible, and the internet will be shut down.

Numerous foreign leaders have been invited to the parade, with Chinese President Xi Jinping as the main guest. Delegations from Brazil, Vietnam, Egypt, and Iraq are also coming, but from the West, only the President of Serbia and the Prime Minister of Slovakia have been announced.

"Our security services and the military are taking all necessary measures to ensure that the celebration of the Great Victory can proceed in a calm, stable, and peaceful environment," said Dmitri Peskov, spokesperson for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

(PP with HL - Source: Moscow Times, Nieuwsblad - Picture: © DPA picture alliance / Picvario | Komsomolskaya Pravda)