Estonia urges Russia to prove seriousness of ceasefire intentions

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has criticised Russia following its latest strikes on Ukraine, amid Kremlin threats to launch a large-scale missile attack on central Kyiv if Victory Day celebrations in Moscow are disrupted. [Victory Day is a Russian holiday commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in 1945, celebrated on 9 May – ed.]

On 4 May, Russia's Defence Ministry unilaterally announced a ceasefire for 8–9 May, warning that if the 9 May parade in Moscow is disrupted, they could carry out a large-scale missile strike on central Kyiv.

"Russia asks for a pause in fighting for a 'parade', while launching missiles and drones at Ukraine just days before," Tsahkna said on X.

He stressed that Ukraine is proposing a "real ceasefire starting tonight".

"Now is the moment for Russia to show it is serious about peace, not just symbolism for its 'celebrations'," he added.

On the night of 4-5 May, Russia launched 11 ballistic missiles and 164 drones at Ukraine, killing at least five people and injuring dozens, with strikes largely targeting energy infrastructure across multiple regions.

Recently, it emerged that Czechia granted permission for the aircraft of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to fly over its territory on his way to Moscow ahead of 9 May. Earlier, the Baltic states had refused to allow the Slovak government plane to pass through their airspace.

The Kremlin said that Fico would be among the foreign guests at the Victory Day military parade in Moscow.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is expected to visit Moscow on 9 May and meet Putin, though he will not attend the Victory Day military parade.