On the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, President Vladimir Putin used Moscow’s grand military parade not only to honor Russia’s WWII triumph over Nazi Germany but to issue a veiled threat: Russia may be gearing up for a major military confrontation with NATO.
Dutch military intelligence chief, Vice-Admiral Peter Reesink, revealed that Russia is stockpiling more artillery than needed for the war in Ukraine and repositioning forces toward NATO borders, including in the Baltics and Finland.
“That’s an indication for us that they are building up capability,” Reesink warned, adding that the pace of Russia’s weapons production — supported by allied nations — suggests preparation for a broader conflict within a year.
Meanwhile, China’s President Xi Jinping attended the parade, signaling deeper Russia-China ties. Reports also indicated that Russian aircraft deployed chemicals to prevent rain over Red Square, using a Soviet-era weather-modification technique.
Amid growing fears, U.S. President Donald Trump pushed for a 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine agreed to. However, Russia has yet to commit. Trump warned of additional sanctions if the ceasefire is breached, stating: “Thousands of young soldiers are dying weekly… and it must STOP.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed a positive call with Trump, expressing Ukraine’s readiness for peace talks if Russia honors an unconditional truce.
As these tensions mount, the EU is mobilizing for accountability, preparing a war crimes tribunal targeting Putin and top Kremlin officials.
