Moscow, Russia. The Kremlin said additional security measures are being put in place for President Vladimir Putin and May 9 Victory Day celebrations amid what it described as a terrorist threat from Ukraine.
Kremlin cites security concerns ahead of May 9
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said extra measures are taken by relevant special services ahead of major holidays, and especially Victory Day. He said the measures were required this year because of what he called the terrorist threat from Ukraine.
Asked whether Putin’s own security was being tightened for the same reason, Peskov replied: “Of course.”
Peskov rejects report on coup or assassination fears
Peskov dismissed a report by CNN and other Western media, citing an unnamed European intelligence agency, that said the Kremlin had sharply raised security around Putin because of fears of a coup or assassination attempt.
“I have one question for you. What is European intelligence? I’m not aware of the existence of such a thing,” Peskov said.
Moscow on alert as events approach
Moscow is on high alert for any attempt by Ukraine to disrupt events marking the anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War Two. Putin is set to oversee a military parade on Red Square and usually delivers a speech.
In recent years, he has used the occasion to rally Russians behind the war in Ukraine, portraying modern-day soldiers as heroes following in the footsteps of those who defended the country in World War Two.
Parade to be scaled back; drone incidents reported
Russia announced last week that, for security reasons, the May 9 parade would take place in a slimmed-down form without the usual display of weaponry such as tanks and missiles.
On Monday, a high-rise building in southwest Moscow was struck by a drone. On Thursday, Russia said its air defences had destroyed 32 drones heading towards the capital.
What impact do you think heightened security will have on Moscow’s May 9 celebrations?
