Russia is scaling back its annual Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9, attributing the move to a "terrorist threat" from Ukraine, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
Peskov stated that all necessary measures are being taken to minimize danger, as Ukraine has intensified strikes deep inside Russian territory. The Russian Defense Ministry announced that this year's commemoration of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany will exclude military vehicles and cadet contingents due to the "current operational situation."
While the parade will still proceed on Red Square, the absence of armored columns marks the first such omission since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. Pro-Kremlin military bloggers had earlier warned of the risk of Ukrainian long-range aerial attacks targeting the event.
President Vladimir Putin revived the tradition of displaying heavy military hardware in 2008 to showcase Russia's defense capabilities. Last year's 80th anniversary festivities drew over 20 world leaders and featured tanks and drones.
This year, the parade will include representatives from all branches of the armed forces and a fly-past. Cadets from Suvorov and Nakhimov schools will not participate, but footage of Russian troops in Ukraine—referred to as the "special military operation zone"—will be broadcast on national television.
Ukraine has not commented directly on Moscow's accusations. However, presidential adviser Mykhailo Podoliak ruled out any attack on the parade, stressing that civilians would be present. Ukraine has stepped up drone strikes on Russian energy facilities, which it deems legitimate military targets.
Meanwhile, Moscow will impose stricter mobile communication restrictions on May 5, 7, and 9, following disruptions in March attributed to security concerns. Analysts note that the World War II narrative remains a key unifying theme for Putin's leadership.
"Nobody is attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure," Podoliak said, pointing out the presence of ordinary spectators at the parade.