Russia's Victory Day parade in Moscow on 9 May will be scaled back this year because of a "terrorist threat" from Ukraine, the Kremlin has said. Russia's military explained that the annual commemorations of Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two would not feature military vehicles or cadets due to the "current operational situation". However, it made clear that "cadets from Suvorov military schools, Nakhimov [naval] schools, and cadet corps, as well as a column of military equipment will not participate in the military parade this year".
Footage would also be shown on national TV, it said, of Russian military personnel "carrying out tasks in the special military operation zone" – a reference to how Moscow officially terms its invasion. First reports that this year's event would be scaled down emerged on social media earlier this month, with several pro-Kremlin military bloggers writing about a growing threat of Ukrainian long-range aerial attacks. Moscow – Russia's best protected city – has in recent weeks witnessed several Ukrainian drone attacks, with the Russian military regularly reporting that most of the projectiles are being shot down.
Analysis: Why This Matters
Watching how Victory Day evolves is important: international stories tend to set the tone for the news cycle ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Many Russian and foreign analysts agree that victory in World War Two – known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War – remains for President Putin the main historical narrative binding the country together.
- Russia's Victory Day parade in Moscow on 9 May will be scaled back this year because of a "terrorist threat" from Ukraine, the Kremlin has said.
- Russia's military explained that the annual commemorations of Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two would not feature military vehicles or cadets due to the "current operational situation".
Diplomatic and on-the-ground responses are likely in the days ahead — we'll track them closely.
Source: BBC World
