Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated in an interview with Italian TV Mediaset on Sunday that the forthcoming anniversary of Russia’s liberation at the conclusion of World War II on May 9 will have no bearing on Moscow’s military activities in Ukraine.

When asked if May 9 will be a watershed moment in the battle, Lavrov stated, “Our military will not base their operations on a specific date.”

“We will commemorate our victory in a solemn manner but the timing and speed of what is happening in Ukraine will hinge on the need to minimize risks for civilians and Russian soldiers,” he added.

Western governments and analysts had anticipated that Russian President Vladimir Putin was intending to declare a victory in Ukraine in time for the May 9 celebrations during which Russia holds its annual huge military parade.

Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine on February 24 but its progress has been stalled by Ukrainian resistance armed with Western military support.