Events to mark the holiday in the occupied territories seem to be an effort to show Russian control of land it has captured.

Moscow's grand avenues, like every year in early May, were taken over by the growling of 80-year-old tanks and the smell of gasoline burned by military vehicles. At the turn of the month, Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine "cannot be held responsible" for whatever happens during Russian President Vladimir Putin's military spectacle,

Vice President JD Vance says Russia was “asking for too much” in its initial peace offer as the United States looks to bring about an end to the war in Ukraine.

The vice president told the Munich Leaders Meeting that the U.S. wants to see Ukraine and Russia speak directly.

Vice President JD Vance said he believed that 'durable peace' could happen if Russia and Ukraine agree to terms to end conflict.