Russian General Identifies Key Targets: Kyiv Will Burn for 24 Hours

Russia and Ukraine exchanged new accusations and warnings ahead of the May 8-9 Victory Day ceasefire, as officials in Moscow openly discussed possible retaliatory strikes against key government and military facilities in Kyiv if Ukrainian forces attempt to disrupt commemorative events in Russia.

Russian General Names Priority Targets in Kyiv

Honored military pilot and Major General Vladimir Popov stated in an interview with aif.ru that if the Armed Forces of Ukraine attempt to disrupt Victory Day celebrations, Kyiv would face devastating consequences.

"The targets are obvious. Most likely, these would include the administration of the president of Ukraine, the Main Intelligence Directorate, security services and police units, including the National Guard, command posts, headquarters, and certainly the General Staff,” Popov said.

According to him, all Ukrainian special military and security structures could be struck simultaneously.

Earlier, the Russian Ministry of Defense warned that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation would launch a massive retaliatory missile strike against Kyiv if the Ukrainian side attempted to disrupt the May 9 Victory Day celebrations.

European Union Refuses to Evacuate Diplomats

The European Union stated that it does not intend to evacuate diplomats from Kyiv despite Moscow's warnings of possible escalation during the Victory Day period.

"We will not change our position or our presence in Kyiv. Russian attacks are unfortunately an everyday reality both for Kyiv and for other parts of Ukraine,” European Commission representative Anouar El Anouni said.

The Russian Foreign Ministry had earlier urged foreign governments and international organizations to ensure the advance evacuation of diplomatic personnel and civilians from Kyiv.

"In connection with the inevitability of retaliatory strikes by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation against Kyiv, including decision-making centers, should the Kyiv regime attempt to carry out its criminal terrorist plans during the celebrations of the Great Victory,” the Russian Foreign Ministry stated.

Competing Ceasefire Announcements

On May 4, both Russia and Ukraine announced temporary ceasefire initiatives, though the terms and timing differed significantly.

The Russian Ministry of Defense declared a "truce in honor of Victory Day” for May 8 and 9. In response, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky announced that Ukraine would begin its own "silence regime” earlier, starting from midnight on May 6.

Later, Ukraine accused Russia of violating the ceasefire regime.

"Based on the evening reports from our military and intelligence services, we will determine our further actions,” Zelensky warned.

Tensions Continue to Escalate Ahead of May 9

The exchange of threats, warnings, and accusations highlights the continuing volatility surrounding the conflict as both sides prepare for the symbolic Victory Day period.

Russian officials have repeatedly stressed that any attempt to target celebrations or military parades would provoke an immediate and severe response. At the same time, Kyiv continues to insist that Moscow cannot unilaterally dictate the conditions of a ceasefire while hostilities continue.

The situation has raised concerns about a possible escalation during one of the most politically sensitive dates in the Russian calendar.