Ukraine-Russia war – live: Putin targets Kyiv on Victory Day as Wagner chief receives Bakhmut ‘threat’

Arpan Rai and Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Tue, 9 May 2023 at 6:31 pm BST

Russia fired cruise missiles at Kyiv on Tuesday and paraded troops across Red Square for its annual celebration of victory in World War Two.

In a fiery 10-minute speech in front of the Kremlin walls, Vladimir Putin thundered against “Western global elites” and said civilisation was at “a decisive turning point”.

“A real war has been unleashed against our homeland,” said the Russian leader, who last year ordered what the West calls an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, destroying cities and killing thousands of civilians.

Meanwhile, Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said he had been told he and his men would be regarded as traitors if they abandoned their positions in the city of Bakhmut.

“A combat order came yesterday which clearly stated that if we leave our positions [in Bakhmut], it will be regarded as treason against the motherland. That was the message to us,” Mr Prigozhin said.

“[But] if there is no ammunition, then we will leave our positions and be the ones asking who is really betraying the Motherland,” he added.

Key Points

• Russian mercenary chief says he’s been told to stay in Bakhmut or be branded traitor
• Russia launches new attack on Ukraine on Moscow’s ‘sacred’ day
• Russia fails to capture Bakhmut ahead of Victory Day
• Putin mocked after single tank turns up for Russian Victory Day parade
• West is sowing ‘Russophobia’ in Victory Day speech, Putin says