Immortal Regiment Event Canceled in Russia
In 2024, Russia has canceled the in-person march of the 'Immortal Regiment' event scheduled for May 9, citing security concerns. The ceremony will now take place exclusively online, a decision driven by fears of provocations and potential drone attacks. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the shift, noting that while the physical format is scrapped, 'it will still be held in person in several countries that show interest in it.'
This is not the first time the traditional march has been called off. Previous cancellations occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic and after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, when authorities feared mirror actions by the Ukrainian military. The current decision comes amid ongoing threats, including strikes on oil refineries and strategic targets deep within Russian territory.
Security Measures and New Celebration Formats
During the festivities in Moscow, mobile internet services will be disabled. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has made aggressive statements ahead of May 9, and Moscow has announced readiness to launch a large-scale strike on Kyiv during the celebrations. In Ukraine, a silence regime was in effect from midnight on May 6, 2024, but the head of state noted that the aggressor ignored the proposal for a truce.
With the event moving online, participants can now:
- display portraits of relatives on car windows;
- update their avatars on social media;
- broadcast photos of veterans on TV screens and online platforms.
This approach allows honoring heroes without the need for mass gatherings in physical spaces.
The cancellation of the traditional 'Immortal Regiment' march underscores the growing security risks in Russia and reflects the fallout from the war in Ukraine. Transitioning to an online format may be an attempt to preserve the celebratory spirit without exposing people to danger. It also suggests that Russian authorities continue seeking ways to maintain patriotic sentiment among the population amid external threats. Recent events indicate that the front-line situation remains tense, with the risk of further escalation still looming.
The cancellation of the in-person 'Immortal Regiment' march highlights the heightened security concerns in Russia, particularly as the country prepares for the May 9 celebrations. As authorities bolster security measures in Moscow due to potential drone threats, the festivities will take on a different format this year. For more details on the security enhancements and the absence of military equipment during the parade, you can read more here.