During the May 9 ceasefire, both Ukraine and Russia rotated troops and reinforced forces, using the pause strategically despite ongoing skirmishes.
Despite Ukraine's unilateral ceasefire on May 6, Russian forces continued attacks, highlighting challenges in conflict de-escalation amid Victory Day tensions and economic disruption.
Moscow’s 2026 Victory Day parade will exclude military hardware for the first time in years, reflecting operational challenges and heightened security concerns amid ongoing conflicts.
The EU warns Serbia may lose €1.5 billion in reform funding amid concerns over democratic backsliding and judicial independence, threatening its EU accession prospects.
Lithuania and Latvia deny airspace access to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico en route to Moscow’s May 9 Victory Day events, illustrating ongoing EU-Russia tensions.