Zelensky has in turn rejected Russia's unilateral three-day ceasefire and said that Ukraine will not guarantee the safety of a celebratory military parade in Moscow's Red Square on 9 May. The Russian proposal has been met with widespread cynicism in Ukraine, where polls consistently suggest that about 95% of the population distrusts Russia.

President Vladimir Putin said in remarks published on Sunday that Russia had sufficient strength and resources to take the war in Ukraine to its logical conclusion, though he hoped that there would be no need to use nuclear weapons.

I knew it was going to be a night where devastating revenge would be wrought. Yesterday morning, Russia accused Ukraine of a drone attack on Moscow, a claim that carries added bitterness given the approaching pagentry planned in Red Square to mark the anniversary of the end of World War Two.