What’s Changing in Moscow’s Victory Day Parade
For the first time since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moscow’s May 9 parade will proceed without any military vehicles. According to Russia’s Ministry of Defense, the decision to alter the parade program stems from the current operational situation. This year, only foot columns of soldiers, cadets, and representatives from various military branches will take part, while the display of tanks, armored vehicles, and other weaponry has been canceled.
The aerial segment of the parade will still go ahead, with fighter jets from aerobatic teams and Su-25 attack aircraft expected to fly over Moscow. Russian media have noted that these planes will ‘paint the sky in the colors of the Russian flag.’ However, students from Suvorov and Nakhimov military schools, as well as cadet corps, will not participate—another sign of organizational changes to the festivities.
Parades Scaled Back Across Other Russian Cities
In other parts of Russia, parades are being shortened or held without military hardware. Some events, including fireworks, have been canceled entirely. In border regions that have faced drone attacks, all holiday celebrations have been called off. Unofficially, analysts suggest the parade’s downsizing may be linked to the risk of drone strikes.
This year, there have been no large-scale rehearsals that typically involve street closures, and an unofficial sense of anxiety surrounds the May 9 parade in Moscow. Military experts and bloggers report that rehearsals have been scaled back amid fears of live aerial attacks.
The removal of military hardware from Moscow’s May 9 parade reflects not just a shift in how the holiday is organized, but also a worsening security situation across the country.
Amid the ongoing war and the threat of drone assaults, authorities are trying to reduce potential risks for both participants and spectators. This development may also indicate mounting pressure on the Russian military and government in the context of the war in Ukraine and internal security challenges.
In light of the recent adjustments to the May 9 parade, concerns about security are increasingly prevalent. The absence of military vehicles and the cancellation of numerous celebrations may be indicative of a broader trend influenced by the looming threat of drone attacks. For a more in-depth analysis of how these factors are impacting the traditional festivities, read about the uncertainties surrounding the upcoming Victory Day celebrations.