Kremlin Says Putin’s Security Is Being Tightened For Victory Day Events

MOSCOW, May 7 (Reuters) – Extra security measures will be taken for Russian President Vladimir Putin if Ukraine attacks May 9 celebrations marking the anniversary of victory in World War II, the Kremlin said on Thursday.

“You know that on the eve of major holidays in our country and, of course, perhaps most importantly, Victory Day, additional security measures are always taken by the relevant special services,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

He said it was necessary this year because of the “terrorist threat” from Ukraine.

Asked whether Putin’s own security had been tightened for the same reason, Peskov replied, “Of course.”

But earlier this week he rejected a report by CNN and other Western media outlets, citing an unnamed European intelligence agency, that said the Kremlin had sharply increased security around Putin due to fears of a coup or assassination attempt.

Peskov said, “I have a question for you. What is European intelligence? I am not aware of the existence of such a thing.”

Moscow has been on high alert against any attempt by Ukraine to disrupt Saturday’s events to mark the anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. Putin will lead the military parade in Moscow’s Red Square and often give a speech.

In recent years he has used the opportunity to rally Russians behind the war in Ukraine, portraying today’s soldiers as heroes following in the footsteps of those who defended the country in World War II.

Russia announced last week that for security reasons the May 9 parade would be held in a scaled-down format this year, without the usual display of weapons such as tanks and missiles.

On Monday, a drone crashed into a high-rise building in southwestern Moscow. On Thursday, Russia announced that its air defenses destroyed 32 UAVs heading towards the capital.

Russia has repeatedly warned during Saturday’s celebrations that it would respond to any Ukrainian attack with a massive missile strike on central Kiev. He declared a ceasefire on 8 and 9 May.

An agreement on a ceasefire could not be reached with Kiev, which declared a two-day ceasefire starting at midnight from Tuesday to Wednesday.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this week that Russia had not responded to Kiev’s long-standing calls for a permanent ceasefire, adding that “human life is incomparably more valuable than any anniversary ‘celebration’.”

(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Andrew Heavens)