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Russian President Vladimir Putin projected confidence in Russia’s war effort in Ukraine today as he presided over the country’s annual Victory Day parade in Moscow, though this year’s event notably lacked the tanks and other heavy military hardware traditionally featured in the display.

The ceremony on Red Square marked the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II and was held under heightened security amid fears that Ukraine could attempt to target the celebrations. Those concerns were eased somewhat by a temporary ceasefire brokered with U.S. involvement that reduced hostilities during the holiday period.

Putin, who has ruled Russia for more than 25 years, has long used Victory Day celebrations as both a patriotic rallying point and a showcase of Russian military strength. With the war in Ukraine now entering its fifth year, the Kremlin again tied the symbolism of World War II to the current conflict.

Addressing the crowd from Red Square, Putin praised Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, saying they “face an aggressive force that is armed and supported by the entire bloc of NATO,” and are fighting for a “just cause.”

“Victory has always been and will be ours,” Putin said, as columns of troops lined up on Red Square. “The key to success is our moral strength, courage and valor, our unity and ability to endure anything and overcome any challenge.”

Unlike previous years, however, the parade did not feature the usual procession of tanks, missile launchers, and other large weapons systems. Aside from the customary military jet flyover, heavy equipment was absent from the event for the first time in nearly 20 years.

Russian officials attributed the change to the “current operational situation” and said the government had implemented expanded security precautions because of the possibility of Ukrainian attacks. Russian state television commentators also argued that military equipment was needed more urgently on the battlefield.

For the first time, soldiers from North Korea participated in the Victory Day festivities, reflecting Moscow’s appreciation for Pyongyang’s assistance during fighting in Russia’s Kursk region, where North Korean forces reportedly helped Russian troops repel a Ukrainian incursion.

Russia announced a unilateral ceasefire covering Friday and Saturday, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had separately declared a truce beginning May 6. Both sides later accused one another of violating the ceasefire through continued attacks.

President Donald Trump said Friday that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to his request for a temporary ceasefire lasting through Monday, along with a prisoner exchange. Trump suggested the pause in fighting could represent the “beginning of the end” of the war.

Earlier in the week, Zelenskyy remarked that Russian officials “fear drones may buzz over Red Square” during the Victory Day ceremonies. Following Trump’s announcement, the Ukrainian leader mockingly issued a decree formally allowing Russia to proceed with the May 9 celebration and temporarily exempting Red Square from Ukrainian strikes.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed Zelenskyy’s move as a “silly joke.” “We don’t need anyone’s permission to be proud of our Victory Day,” Peskov told reporters.

Russia’s larger and better-armed military has continued to make gradual territorial advances along the sprawling front line stretching more than 1,000 kilometers. Ukraine, meanwhile, has intensified its long-range drone campaign against Russian targets, striking energy infrastructure, factories, and military depots deep inside Russian territory.

Kyiv has developed drones capable of traveling more than 1,000 kilometers into Russia, significantly expanding its strike capabilities compared to the early stages of the war.

Russian officials warned that any Ukrainian attempt to attack Saturday’s ceremonies would prompt severe retaliation. Moscow threatened a “massive missile strike on the center of Kyiv” if the festivities were disrupted.

The Russian Defense Ministry also urged civilians and foreign diplomatic staff in Kyiv to leave the city, warning of possible escalation. European Union officials responded by saying their diplomats would remain in the Ukrainian capital despite the threat.

Victory Day remains one of the most emotionally significant commemorations in Russia. The Soviet Union lost an estimated 27 million people during World War II — known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War — and the memory of that sacrifice continues to play a central role in Russian national identity.

“We celebrate it with feelings of pride and love for our country, with understanding of our shared duty to defend the interests and future of our Motherland,” Putin said at the parade.

“Our soldiers suffered colossal losses, made a colossal sacrifice in the name of freedom and dignity of the peoples of Europe, became the embodiment of courage and nobility, fortitude, and humanity, and crowned themselves with the great glory of a grandiose victory.”

Since 2008, Moscow’s Victory Day parades have regularly featured extensive displays of armored vehicles, missile systems, and nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles. This year, however, many regional parades across Russia were reduced in size or canceled altogether because of security concerns.

Authorities also imposed broad restrictions on mobile internet access and text messaging services throughout Moscow on Saturday, citing public safety concerns. The measures come as the Russian government continues tightening online censorship and expanding control over digital communications.

Among the foreign dignitaries attending the event were Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier outside the Kremlin walls but did not attend the main military parade. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized the trip, stating, “I deeply regret this, and we will discuss his visit to Moscow with him.”

During a Kremlin meeting with Putin, Fico criticized what he described as a new “Iron Curtain” across Europe that has disrupted trade and stressed Slovakia’s reliance on Russian energy resources. Putin praised Fico for pursuing what he described as a “sovereign” foreign policy and for honoring Soviet soldiers killed during World War II.

{Matzav.com}

Concerns are mounting among New York business leaders that Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s aggressive rhetoric toward wealthy residents and major corporations could drive companies and jobs out of the city, potentially putting billions of dollars in economic activity at risk.

New figures obtained by The Post from the Partnership for New York City show that the organization’s 300 member firms in the corporate and financial sectors support nearly one million jobs across the city, contribute $13.5 billion annually in taxes, and generate roughly $370 billion in yearly economic output.

The analysis warns that even modest slowdowns in business growth could have severe financial consequences for the city, especially if wealthy residents and major employers begin relocating operations elsewhere amid fears of higher taxes and an increasingly hostile political climate.

“The numbers don’t lie,” said Steve Fulop, the business group’s president and CEO.

“New York’s private sector has invested billions and created hundreds of thousands of jobs. You can only treat job creators like the enemy for so long before they stop creating jobs here. The far left can run on socialism all day, but cities run on tax revenue — and tax revenue requires businesses that actually want to be here.”

Anxieties within the financial world intensified this week after billionaire hedge fund executive Ken Griffin announced that his firm, Citadel, would expand staffing in Miami instead of New York.

Griffin reportedly blamed the decision on Mamdani’s recent social media campaign promoting a tax on luxury second homes, during which the mayor highlighted Griffin’s $238 million penthouse apartment as an example of extreme wealth.

The backlash from Wall Street extended beyond Griffin. Financial executive Marc Rowan is also reportedly moving ahead with plans to establish a new major office hub for Apollo Global Management in either Florida or Texas, two states that have increasingly attracted businesses leaving New York.

Citadel and Apollo are both major players in New York’s financial industry, which according to the Partnership’s figures supports nearly 10% of all private-sector jobs in the city.

The report found that financial services led all industries in employment growth during 2025, posting a 3% increase.

If that pace continues, the Partnership estimates that its member firms alone could account for approximately 10,000 additional jobs, $8.4 billion in tax revenue, and $247 billion in GDP annually by 2030.

The study also warned that a relatively small reduction in growth — just 10% — could still result in the loss of about 3,000 jobs, a decline of $168 million in tax revenue, and a $4.8 billion reduction in GDP.

A more substantial business departure similar to Citadel’s widely publicized move out of Chicago could prove far more damaging, according to the analysis. Under a 30% contraction scenario, the city would lose more than 6,300 jobs, nearly $397 million in tax revenue, and roughly $11.7 billion in GDP.

The concerns come as New York faces growing pressure from a rapidly expanding municipal budget.

Mamdani has proposed a $127 billion city budget for the coming fiscal year and has advocated raising taxes on millionaires to help address a projected $5.4 billion deficit.

A former budget official who served during the administration of Michael Bloomberg said the city’s spending growth has significantly outpaced inflation, making New York especially vulnerable during economic downturns.

“If you are just raising taxes to fill a gap and doing nothing to close the gap, you are just going to raise taxes,” the official said.

The former official warned that higher taxes could encourage additional wealthy residents and companies to relocate operations outside New York.

“It’s a real death spiral,” the official said.

“Business leaders are just going to reallocate their workforce to Florida. That’s not a loss of a billionaire and their tax bill — it’s the workers and tens of millions of dollars.”

Tax Foundation senior fellow Jared Walczak said companies today are far less tied to one geographic location than they once were.

“It used to be that if you were finance, you had to be New York City, and that is not the case anymore,” he said.

“If they feel unwelcome or they are going to be an ongoing topic, that can easily push them elsewhere. They do not want to fight new proposals every year and be the solution to every revenue problem that can drive them elsewhere.”

Some political observers noted that fears surrounding progressive mayors have not always materialized. During his 2013 campaign, Bill de Blasio alarmed many business leaders with his “tale of two cities” messaging focused on income inequality.

Once in office, however, de Blasio often pursued policies aimed at encouraging economic development and maintaining relationships with the business community.

Political strategist Evan Roth Smith argued that Mamdani’s political rise was fueled more directly by criticism of wealthy individuals and corporations.

The mayor has mostly avoided public confrontations with wealthy New Yorkers during the current budget negotiations, Smith said, though he noted Mamdani’s clash with Griffin stood out.

“He should have picked someone who has a penthouse that doesn’t employ thousands of people,” the strategist said.

“I think the target was ill-advised. I think when it’s Zohran versus a rich guy who employs tens of thousands of people during a budget fight it’s a problem, but I think it goes to a draw.”

Smith predicted Mamdani would likely resume stronger anti-wealth rhetoric once budget negotiations conclude.

“Stuff like this is a winner for him and he’ll go back to it,” he said.

“I think the voters exist and they hate rich people.”

Representatives for the mayor’s office did not respond to requests for comment.

Responding to the Partnership’s findings, a spokeswoman for Kathy Hochul emphasized the governor’s support for businesses of all sizes throughout New York.

“From local businesses to global corporations, every employer plays a crucial role in making New York City the best place for business, and Governor Hochul is proud to support them all,” spokeswoman Jen Goodman said in a statement.

“The Governor has held the line on income and corporate taxes while delivering unprecedented job growth, including doubling the national rate of private sector job creation in New York City, and remains committed to ensuring New York’s businesses continue to succeed.”

{Matzav.com}

More than a dozen Jews, including one believed to have fled to Israel, are among 30 people charged in an alleged decade-long insider trading scheme run out of major law firms, the U.S. Justice Department said.

Two unsealed complaints accuse the group of reaping tens of millions of dollars by using confidential information on mergers and acquisition deals obtained through law firms, where scheme leaders were employed. Conspirators allegedly passed information on to business associates, friends and relatives for trading purposes.

The network used burner phones, coded language and falsified research documents, prosecutors allege. The group also allegedly used “going to Israel tomorrow” and phrases about flight departures as code to share timelines related to illegal activities.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission charged some of the 30, 19 of whom were arrested, the Justice Department said.

“With today’s arrests, the FBI has dismantled a large-scale, decade-long, international organized criminal network of corporate attorneys and financial professionals, who are accused of stealing and trading on material, nonpublic information from several of our nation’s leading law firms,” stated Ted Docks, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Boston Division.

“Everyone charged today is accused of scoring significant profits from expected market moves and making out like bandits,” Docks stated. “That’s not merely gaming the system. It’s a federal crime.”

The Justice Department said that one of those charged fled to Israel.

A tech entrepreneur who, more than a decade ago, served as executive director of the U.S.-Israel Business Council and as associate for policy and planning at the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, is alleged to have traded on inside information and then provided kickbacks to the head of the operation and college friend.

A corporate attorney who had worked at several large law firms and a New York lawyer are accused of being at the center of the scheme.

The two allegedly recruited lawyers and others as inside information sources in return for large sums of cash, with tips from the two passed on to traders, the department alleges.

“The trading on unannounced financial news alleged here not only violated the securities laws, but it also took advantage of the special access and ethical duties that come with a law license,” stated Leah Foley, U.S. attorney for the District of Massachusetts.

“If the American people believe that trading is only for the connected, they will keep their investment and retirement savings out of the markets, which will hurt our economy,” she stated. JNS

{Matzav.com}

it is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rebbetzin Necha Weiss a”h, beloved wife of Rav Gershon Weiss zt”l, longtime menahel ruchni at Yeshiva of Staten Island and rov of Bais Medrash Ateres Binyomin in Lakewood.

Rebbetzin Weiss was niftar at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital after being hospitalized there in recent days.

For decades, Rebbetzin Weiss stood quietly but powerfully alongside her husband as he helped shape generations of talmidim through his more than 50 years as the revered menahel ruchni at Yeshiva of Staten Island under the leadership of Rav Reuven Feinstein.

Following Rav Gershon’s petirah five years ago, she continued to serve as the beloved matriarch of an exceptional Torah family, embodying dignity, warmth, humility, and unwavering devotion to her family and to all who entered her home.

Known for her refined character and extraordinary kindness, Rebbetzin Weiss exemplified the ideals of an aishes chayil in every sense. Her home was a place of Torah, chesed, and compassion, where guests and family members alike were greeted with sincerity, generosity, and genuine care. Those who knew her speak of a woman who radiated goodness, who gave endlessly of herself to others, and who carried herself with grace and quiet strength.

Friends and relatives recall her as someone whose entire life revolved around supporting Torah and nurturing her family. Whether assisting her husband in his many communal responsibilities, encouraging her children and grandchildren in their growth, or helping others in need without seeking recognition, Rebbetzin Weiss devoted herself fully to the people around her. Her kindness was constant, her warmth was legendary, and her concern for others knew no bounds.

Rebbetzin Weiss is survived by a beautiful family of children and grandchildren who continue the legacy of Torah and chesed that she and her husband built together. Her children are R’ Dovid Weiss, R’ Chaim Yitzchok Weiss, R’ Yossi Weiss, and R’ Mordechai Weiss, as well as the wives of R’ Eliyahu Meir Levin, R’ Leiby Zeilberger, R’ Binyomin Schulgasser, R’ Avigdor Buckwald, R’ Moshe Lieberson, R’ Yehoshua Forchheimer, R’ Yechezkel Ulman, R’ Yitzchok David, R’ Uri Meir Kanarek, R’ Shmuel Pepper, and R’ Avigdor Speiser.

Levayah details will be posted once they are finalized.

The family will be sitting shivah at 125 Glen Avenue South in Lakewood.

Yehi zichrah boruch.

{Matzav.com}

A federal judge has scheduled a July 15 trial for former FBI Director James Comey on newly filed charges accusing him of threatening President Donald Trump.

Louise Flanagan, who will preside over the case, also ruled that Comey does not need to appear in her North Carolina courtroom on Monday to enter a formal not guilty plea. That step will instead take place closer to the start of the trial.

Prosecutors have brought two criminal counts tied to a social media post Comey shared last May showing seashells arranged to read “86 47.” Authorities argue the message constituted a threat against Trump’s life. The number “86” is often used as slang meaning to get rid of someone or something, while Trump is the 47th president.

Comey has rejected the allegations, describing the case as politically motivated. Earlier charges against him were dismissed, and his legal team has indicated it plans to challenge the new indictment, arguing it amounts to selective and vindictive prosecution.

Judge Flanagan directed Comey’s attorneys to submit their motions, along with any other pretrial filings, by June 5, and indicated that additional hearings could be scheduled to address those arguments.

Comey is currently expected to appear in court on June 30 for arraignment, at which time he will formally enter his not guilty plea roughly two weeks before the trial begins.

Flanagan, who was appointed by George W. Bush, serves on the federal bench in New Bern, North Carolina.

The judge agreed to delay Monday’s arraignment at the request of both the defense and prosecutors. Comey had sought the postponement because he had already made an initial court appearance in Virginia, where he resides, shortly after being charged.

{Matzav.com}