On February 24, 2022, Vladimir Putin invaded the sovereign nation of Ukraine, claiming that he was “rescuing” Russian-speaking separatists from their so-called “Nazi” Ukrainian regime . . . a government in fact led by Jewish President Volodymyr Zelensky. No excuse could have been more ludicrous, or more transparent, for what was in fact a land grab.

Putin predicted that his troops would be welcomed with open arms in the eastern Ukraine region known as the Donbas, and that the territory would be under Russian control in a matter of days, or weeks at the outside. He was wrong. Ukraine has fought back with unexpected ferocity and skill, and has held the larger Russian forces at bay for more than four years. Their newly-developed drone technology has even allowed them to counter-attack as far as Moscow itself, causing Putin to lose face among the Russian populace, and frequently to take shelter in unidentified bunkers in fear for his life.

But tomorrow, May 9th, is the anniversary of Victory Day in Russia — a celebration of the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945. And the traditional parade must go on . . . albeit on a much smaller scale this year, without the usual display of military tanks and missiles (most of which are probably busy at the front in any event).

And security is tight, including a blackout of Internet service. The usual cadre of visiting dignitaries is also missing this year, with only a few staunch supporters expected, including presumptive President Aleksandr Lukashenko of Belarus and Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia.

Putin took the further precaution of declaring a two-day ceasefire with Ukraine for May 8-9, to which Zelensky responded by offering an even longer period of quiet, beginning on May 6th. But Putin not only disregarded that offer by launching deadly attacks throughout Ukraine on the 5th and 6th; he also broke his own truce today by launching as many as 67 drone attacks overnight on May 7th. He even warned of devastating strikes on the capital city of Kyiv if Ukraine were to attempt a disruption of the celebration of Russia’s “sacred holiday” — going so far as to warn foreign diplomats that they might want to evacuate their embassies.

This caused me (and doubtless others) to worry that, should some lone hothead decide to attempt an act of domestic terrorism in Moscow tomorrow, it might be used by Putin as an excuse to blame Ukraine and trigger retaliatory measures. Let’s hope not.

Then today, Donald Trump posted this surprise announcement on Truth Social:

“I am pleased to announce that there will be a THREE DAY CEASEFIRE (May 9th, 10th, and 11th) in the War between Russia and Ukraine. The Celebration in Russia is for Victory Day but, likewise, i n Ukraine, because they were also a big part and factor of World War II. . . .

“This request was made directly by me, and I very much appreciate its agreement by President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Hopefully, it is the beginning of the end of a very long, deadly, and hard fought war.

“Talks are continuing on ending this Major Conflict, the biggest since World War II, and we are getting closer and closer every day.” [RFE/RL, May 8, 2026.]

From Ukraine, President Zelensky confirmed his agreement, saying:

“I hereby decree: to permit the holding of a parade in the city of Moscow (Russian Federation) on May 9, 2026 . . .” adding that “the territorial sector of Red Square shall be excluded” from any use of Ukrainian weapons. [Id.]

This was followed by a statement from Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov that Russia has agreed to the three-day ceasefire, and to an exchange of prisoners in the near future.

*. *. *

As I write this, it is the middle of the night in Moscow, with the festivities scheduled to begin in just a few hours. I sincerely believe that President Zelensky will keep his word, and that peace will reign for a day of commemoration of a truly historic event.

What will happen after the crowds have dispersed is another matter. Will Putin honor his pledge to withhold further strikes for another two days? We shall see.

I also have to wonder how it is that Donald Trump is seemingly able to solve everyone’s problems but his own. But that is a conundrum of an entirely different sort.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
5/8/26