Local media described the march as a first for the annual celebrations marking the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

More than 80 years after they occurred, the events of World War II are still hotly debated in Russia and Poland.

"I firmly believe that our cause is just," he said as Russia marked the 81st anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II.

Events are set to be scaled back amid security fears and signs of fatigue over the more than four-year war on Ukraine.

The deal, which Trump first announced on Truth Social, will pause fighting from May 9 through May 11 and include a prisoner swap.

Sokurov had been slated to speak at a pre-opening event at the Venice Biennale titled “Dissent and Peace” this week, but organizers scrapped his appearance, citing “last-minute unavailability.”

Idemitsu Kosan told TASS that the purchase was made at the request of Japan’s Agency for Natural Resources and Energy to “ensure a stable supply of petroleum products.”

Ukraine has not commented on whether Volodymyr Zelensky asked Robert Fico to deliver a message to the Russian leader.

Latvia’s defense minister had said two drones that crashed in the country on Thursday were likely Ukrainian and traveling toward Russian targets.

While 12 regions do plan to hold full-scale military parades, as many as 11 have called off their celebrations entirely.

The early morning drone attacks come hours after a ceasefire that Russia unilaterally announced for May 8-10 came into effect.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also warned Yerevan against pursuing closer ties with the European Union.