Kremlin Boosts Putin's Security for Victory Day as Ukraine Threat Looms
Heightened Security Measures Ahead of Victory Day
MOSCOW, May 7 (Reuters) - The Kremlin said on Thursday extra security measures were being put in place for Russian President Vladimir Putin in case of a Ukrainian attack on May 9 celebrations marking the anniversary of victory in World War Two.
Kremlin's Official Statement on Security
"You know that on the eve of major holidays, and, of course, perhaps most importantly, Victory Day in our country, additional security measures are always taken by the relevant special services," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
Justification for Increased Security
He said this was required this year because of what he called the "terrorist threat" from Ukraine.
Putin's Personal Security
Asked whether Putin's own security was being tightened for the same reason, Peskov replied: "Of course."
Peskov Dismisses Reports of Coup Fears
PESKOV DISMISSES REPORTS OF COUP FEARS
Response to Western Media Reports
However, he dismissed a report by CNN and other Western media earlier this week, citing an unnamed European intelligence agency, that said the Kremlin had sharply raised security around Putin because of fears of a coup or assassination attempt.
Questioning the Source
"I have one question for you. What is European intelligence? I'm not aware of the existence of such a thing," Peskov said.
Victory Day Parade and Security Concerns
Moscow is on high alert for any attempt by Ukraine to disrupt events on Saturday to mark the anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War Two. Putin will oversee a military parade on Moscow's Red Square and usually delivers a speech.
Putin's Use of Victory Day for Political Messaging
In recent years he has used the occasion to rally Russians behind the war in Ukraine, portraying his modern-day soldiers as heroes following in the footsteps of those who defended the country in World War Two.
Changes to the Parade
Russia announced last week that, for security reasons, the May 9 parade would take place this year in a slimmed-down form, without the usual display of weaponry such as tanks and missiles.
Recent Security Incidents and Warnings
On Monday, a high-rise building in southwest Moscow was struck by a drone. On Thursday, Russia said its air defences had destroyed 32 drones heading towards the capital.
Russian Threats of Retaliation
Russia has delivered repeated warnings that it will respond to any Ukrainian attacks during Saturday's celebrations with a massive missile attack on the centre of Kyiv. It has announced a ceasefire for May 8 and 9.
Ceasefire Declarations
The truce was not agreed with Kyiv, which declared a two-day ceasefire of its own that began at midnight from Tuesday into Wednesday.
Ukraine's Position on Ceasefire
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said this week that Russia had failed to respond to Kyiv's longstanding calls for a permanent ceasefire, adding that "human life is incomparably more valuable than the 'celebration' of any anniversary".
(Reporting by Reuters; writing by Mark Trevelyan; editing by Andrew Heavens)
