Vladimir Putin addressed the nation from Red Square in Moscow on Saturday as Russia marked 81st Victory Day. Putin told the crowd, “The remarkable achievement of the victorious generation continues to inspire the soldiers today, who are carrying out the tasks of a special military operation. They stand against an aggressive force that is being armed and supported by the entire NATO bloc." The Victory Day commemorates Nazi Germany’s surrender to Allied forces in 1945. The Kremlin said this year's iconic military parade on Red Square was downsized over the 'terrorist threat' from Ukraine, while the Defence Ministry warned of a "massive retaliatory strike on Kyiv" in the event of any attempt to disrupt celebrations. Meanwhile, on May 8, US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine running from May 9 to 11, with a prisoner exchange of 1,000 per side. Moscow and Kyiv both supported the initiative.