Kremlin Warns Australian Embassy to Evacuate Amid Tensions

Vladimir Putin will attend a military parade in Moscow on Saturday.

The Australian embassy in Ukraine is on high alert after the Kremlin warned staff to evacuate.

Many embassies in Kyiv have been cautioned due to Russian threats of retaliation.

The parade marks the end of World War II and has become a major military showcase.

It's usually a celebration of his power, says St Andrews University chair Phillips O'Brien.

In the past, Putin has shown off new military equipment, it's been a grand celebration.

Rehearsals for the parade have been taking place in Moscow this week.

There will not be a single tank in Red Square this year, the event will be scaled back.

Security will be increased due to Ukrainian drone attacks across Russia.

Troops have been marching through Moscow's streets rehearsing for the big day.

They've gone from grand opera to repertory at a street theatre, says Edward Lucas.

Only three world leaders will attend this year, instead of 20.

For the first time in 20 years, there will be no military equipment on display.

Our tanks are busy, we need them more on the battlefield, says Russian politician Yevgeny Popov.

When asked if the scaled-back parade might embarrass the Kremlin, Mr Popov replied: What other choice do we have?

Security in Russia's capital has been increased ahead of the parade.

Australian embassy put on notice

Ukraine's long-range missile strikes have heightened Kremlin concerns about the parade's safety.

On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed missiles had struck an oil facility in Russia.

Moscow is very much in Ukrainian capacity to reach, says Professor O'Brien.

That capability is a major reason Mr Putin announced a ceasefire from May 8 to 10.

Late on Friday, US President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire and a swap of 1,000 prisoners.

Mr Trump said the truce would hopefully be the beginning of the end of the war.

Mr Zelenskyy thanked his American counterpart for the US's role in mediation.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made it clear his country can strike targets deep inside Russia.

Before the ceasefire announcement, Mr Zelenskyy warned foreign dignitaries not to attend the parade.

Russia has alerted countries with embassies in Kyiv to evacuate their staff.

An Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson condemned the warnings.

These threats against foreign embassies are a demonstration of Russia's disdain for international norms.

DFAT is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of staff at the Australian Embassy.

Russian media outlets warned of massive military strikes on Kyiv if the parade is targeted.

Tanks rumble through Moscow's streets during last year's parade.

Putin fears possible assassination

The drama before the parade has played out at a time of heightened anxiety for Mr Putin.

Numerous international media outlets claim to have accessed a leaked intelligence report.

Since March 2026, the Kremlin has been concerned about a leak of sensitive information.

In particular, he fears the use of drones for a possible assassination attempt.

Mr Lucas told the ABC that while Mr Putin's paranoia has been documented, these leaks must be taken with a grain of salt.

According to intelligence reports, Vladimir Putin has been becoming more nervous about his own safety.

While there's no way to confirm the report's contents, other sources reveal the weakened state of the Kremlin.

We are clearly seeing that the regime has lost a bit of its mojo, says Mr Lucas.

The lead-up to this year's parade has already revealed a lot about the state of the war.

We've learned that Ukraine is doing better than the Russians have admitted, says Professor O'Brien.

Putin's power comes from portraying the war as an inevitable success, but that's a hard claim to make.

Finland's President Alexander Stubb said Russian casualties outnumber Ukraine's five to one.

The Kremlin is increasing efforts to dictate the narrative in Russia by shutting off the internet.

The increased security has led to enforced internet blackouts, causing widespread anger.

The Kremlin said it did not plan to compensate businesses for loss of income.

It's all a sign that this war is not cost-free and it's not ending soon, says Mr Lucas.

I think the big question is that having started this as a war of choice, it's now a war of necessity.

So, where does that end up?

Top Stories

Topic: Housing Policy

Analysis by Laura Tingle

LIVE

Topic: Weddings

Analysis by Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop

Top Stories

Topic: Housing Policy

Analysis by Laura Tingle

LIVE

Topic: Weddings

Analysis by Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop

Just In

Topic: Health

Topic: World Politics

Topic: Aboriginal Language

Topic: Sculpture