Russia’s WWII victory celebrations are muted this year as Ukraine war weighs on Putin
For the first time in nearly 20 years, no tanks or missiles will roll through Red Square as Moscow tightens defenses against drone strikes.
- On Saturday, Russia will mark Victory Day in Moscow with a scaled-back military parade, omitting tanks and missiles for the first time in nearly 20 years. Officials cited the "current operational situation" amid heightened security fears.
- Heightened drone threats from Ukraine prompted the decision, as officials fear the "political and psychological consequences" of potential attacks during the high-profile event. Security and anti-drone defenses have been tightened in Moscow since Ukrainian forces began targeting the capital in 2023.
- The Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media restricted mobile internet and text messaging services in Moscow for Saturday to ensure "public safety." Sukhoi Su-25 fighter jets will paint the sky in Russian flag colors during the unchanged aerial program.
- Presidential aide Yuri Ushakov warned Thursday that Russia would take "decisive action," including potential mass strikes on Kyiv, if Ukrainian attacks disrupt Saturday's events. Russia's Foreign Ministry advised international organizations and embassies in Kyiv to evacuate their offices.
- Commemorating the 81st anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany, President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to deliver a speech Saturday. The holiday is traditionally used to rally support and project global clout as Russia's army remains engaged in a "slow, hard slog.
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In Photos: Russia Marks Soviet WWII Victory With No Tanks
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Russia is holding off its traditional military parade despite war – without jets and combat vehicles. The announced ceasefire is only in Red Square, the front is still being fought. "There is no ceasefire," says security expert Nico Lange.
Moscow's celebration of the end of World War II will be subdued due to fears of Ukrainian drone strikes. The Kremlin is much more concerned about the growing discontent of Russian society and the difficulty of covering up the failures, which Russian military experts are increasingly speaking about.
What Russia’s low-key Victory Day celebrations reveal about Putin and the war in Ukraine
A three-day ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday defused the tensions over a prospective Ukrainian attack on a Red Square parade in Moscow, but the deal appeared unlikely to set the stage for a comprehensive peace deal.
Associated Press News
What Russia’s low‑key Victory Day celebrations reveal about Putin and the war in Ukraine
A three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, has eased tensions over a potential Ukrainian attack on a Red Square parade in Moscow.
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