Russia’s foreign minister stated that the country’s war in Ukraine will not be over by Victory Day on May 9, as the country prepares to commemorate the important event under the shadow of a deadly conflict.
Sergei Lavrov told Italian news site Mediaset that Moscow will not rush to complete off its so-called “special military operation” in time for the anniversary, which commemorates Nazi Germany’s surrender to allied forces in 1945, including the Soviet Union.
“Our military will not modify its activities artificially to any date, even Victory Day,” Lavrov stated in an interview published on Sunday.
“The tempo of the operation in Ukraine is determined, first and foremost, by the necessity to minimize any risks to civilians and Russian military personnel,” says the statement.
Victory Day is traditionally celebrated in Russia with a major military parade in central Moscow and a speech by President Vladimir Putin praising the country’s participation in the defeat of fascism in Europe.
However, this year’s festivities will take place against the backdrop of Russia’s murderous military operation in Ukraine, which Putin has justified with assertions that Ukraine requires “denazification” and other references to World War II.
“As is customary, we shall commemorate May 9 with solemnity. Remember those who gave their lives for the liberation of Russia and other former Soviet republics, as well as for the liberation of Europe from the Nazi pestilence,” Lavrov added.
Russia’s invasion, which began on February 24, has resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians and the displacement of millions.
Over a thousand Russian soldiers have been killed in the operation, according to Moscow. Ukraine argues that Russia has suffered far greater losses.
