Russia scales back Moscow Victory Day parade citing Ukraine threat

Russia will hold a scaled-back Victory Day parade on May 9 in Moscow without military hardware for the first time in nearly two decades.

The Kremlin announced the decision on April 29, citing a heightened terrorist threat from Ukraine.

The annual parade, traditionally held on Red Square to mark the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, will omit tanks, missiles, and other military equipment.

The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed that no military vehicles or cadets will participate in this year's parade.

Instead, the event will feature personnel from various branches of the Russian Armed Forces and a fly-past of military aircraft.

The ministry attributed the change to the "current operational situation" amid ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described Ukraine's recent drone attacks deep inside Russian territory as "terrorist activity." He stated that all necessary measures are being taken to minimize the danger during the parade.

In recent months, Ukrainian strikes have targeted locations far from the front lines, including the Baltic port of Ust-Luga, the Samara region near Kazakhstan, and the Perm region in the Ural Mountains.

This adjustment to the Victory Day parade is significant as the event has long been a showcase of Russia's military strength and a source of national pride.

Since 2008, the parade has consistently featured a display of military hardware, reinforcing Russia's image as a global power.

The decision to scale back the parade reflects heightened security concerns amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Victory Day remains a rare point of consensus in Russia's complex history, commemorating the immense sacrifices made during World War II.

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