Russia launched cruise missiles at Kyiv and held a parade in Moscow to commemorate their victory in World War II. President Putin delivered a fiery speech denouncing the “Western global elites” and stating that civilization was at a “decisive turning point.” Meanwhile, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Kyiv, calling Ukraine “the beating heart of today’s European values.” The parade included a T-34 tank from World War II and was scaled down from previous years. However, Putin’s message was undermined by a profanity-laced tirade from the boss of Russia’s Wagner private army directed at Moscow’s generals for not giving his forces enough weapons. Ukraine reported that 23 out of 25 Russian cruise missiles aimed at Kyiv were shot down and there were no reported casualties. As Russia’s diplomatic isolation increases, it draws closer to China, and Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang said that China would maintain communication with all parties to the war in Ukraine in seeking a ceasefire. The Moscow parade was shortened due to security concerns, and some other city parades were scaled back or called off. The “Immortal Regiment” processions were canceled. In Kyiv, there were no casualties from Russia’s latest volley of air strikes on the capital, debris fell in some areas but caused little damage. Russia has increased its attacks in anticipation of a Ukrainian counteroffensive. Ukraine shifted its observance of the Nazi surrender to May 8, symbolizing its break from Moscow. Instead, Kyiv proclaimed May 9 as Europe Day.