Kiev will not hit Moscow on May 9, fearing Russia's retaliation and Washington's anger — WP

Despite the successive drone attacks on Moscow and some anxiety in the Russian capital, Kiev rejected the possibility of any attacks on the capital of the Russian Federation during the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Victory. It is reported by The Washington Post.

On Friday, Russia will celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, and President Vladimir Putin will receive more than two dozen foreign leaders from friendly countries, including Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the newspaper writes. Speculation has increased in Russia that Ukraine could use this opportunity to embarrass the Kremlin in front of its allies. However, a senior representative of the Ukrainian defense forces said that an attempt was unlikely due to the low chances of success.

"As you can see, they have deployed all Russian air defense systems to protect Moscow. Even if there is an attempt, it will not be successful. Perhaps the Ukrainian attacks may be on other regions, but not on Moscow," a source told the publication on condition of anonymity.

Another representative of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, meanwhile, said that the attack on the event on Red Square, which should be attended by Chinese, Indian and even European officials, could lead to retaliation from Russia and anger Washington. He called the assumption that Ukraine is planning such an attack a "hype."

It is noted that at least 29 heads of state will take part in the celebration of Victory Day in Moscow, including the leaders of Brazil, Kazakhstan, Venezuela, Slovakia, Ethiopia and Egypt.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said today that Russia will continue the three-day ceasefire and will give an "appropriate response" if Ukraine attacks. Political analyst Sergei Markov wrote on Telegram that the drone attacks on Tuesday were aimed at sowing fear. "So Zelensky intimidates everyone before the Victory Day parade on May 9. He wants people to be afraid of him," the expert said.