May 9 parade in Russia: "This parade is a sign of weakness"analyzes the Ukrainian philosopher and journalist Volodymyr Yermolenko

Vladimir Putin delivered his traditional speech, from Red Square, in Moscow, Saturday May 9, 2026. A short speech, after the light military parade, “no tanks, no missiles.“The parade lasted only 45 minutes and, for the first time in almost twenty years, no military equipment paraded on Red Square. Russia feared Ukrainian drone strikes. This parade testifies to“a sign of Russia’s weakness”declared on franceinfo Volodymyr Yermolenko, philosopher, writer and journalist, president of the Pen Club Ukraine, associate professor at the Mohyla Academy in kyiv, editor-in-chief of UkraineWorld.org.

During his speech, “Putin did not mention the word ‘Ukraine‘”, détaille Volodymyr Yermolenko, “he spoke of aggressive, anonymous forces supported by NATO”. The philosopher and journalist also insists on the fact that “it’s not war in Ukraine”but between Russia and Ukraine. “The Ukrainians are striking very, very hard on Russian territory. The number of drones that the Ukrainians are sending to Russia is higher than the number of drones sent by the Russians” on Ukraine, explains Volodymyr Yermolenko. “The Ukrainians, with the support of the Europeans, have a much stronger position in this war than before” et “Russia feels it“, he believes.

As for the three-day truce in force, the specialist sees it as “a simulacrum” and anticipates that “The Russians will continue this war, because they cannot stop, because Putin wants Russia to gain more territory in Donbass”. This region of eastern Ukraine, measuring just over 50,000 square kilometers, is the industrial heart of the country and Russia considers it part of its territory. “Le mot Donbass n’a pas été prononcé” by Vladimir Putin during his speech, underlines Volodymyr Yermolenko. The Russian president “means about the Great War against NATO and not about exact, specific events on the territory of Ukraine”he continues.

“Let’s hope this is the beginning of the end of a very long war“, wrote Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform. A statement that makes “no sense” according to the Ukrainian philosopher and journalist. The American president announced, Friday, May 8, the ceasefire between kyiv and Moscow. The Ukrainians have “arrêté d’écouter Monsieur Trump”says Volodymyr Yermolenko and adds that “what is important is the struggle of the Ukrainians, it is the help of the Europeans”. He hopes that“Being strong together will produce victory”from Ukraine.