Russia Scales Back Victory Day Parade Due to Terror Threat

Russia’s Victory Day parade in Moscow will be scaled back.

A Smaller Parade This Year

The event takes place on 9 May. The Kremlin says the reason is a “terrorist threat” from Ukraine. President Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters that “all measures are being taken to minimize the danger”. Russia’s military explained that the parade will not feature military vehicles or cadets. The “current operational situation” is to blame.

Ukraine Intensifies Strikes

Ukraine has recently intensified its strikes deep inside Russia. The full-scale invasion is now in its fourth year. Kyiv says it is hitting legitimate military targets. It also accuses Moscow of attacking civilians in Ukraine. Peskov said the “Kyiv regime” has “launched into full-scale terrorist activity”. He stressed that the parade will still be held on Red Square.

A Shift from Recent Years

Putin revived the practice of parading heavy military hardware in 2008. He wanted to demonstrate Russia’s “growing defence capability”. Last year, more than 20 world leaders attended lavish commemorations. The event included tanks and drones.
This year will be very different.