Russia is holding its Victory Day parade in Moscow today in what is first Victory Day celebration in nearly two decades without tanks, missile systems or heavy armoured vehicles rolling through Red Square, exposing the growing security pressures and military strain caused by the Kremlin’s war against Ukraine.
The Kremlin had pushed for a temporary three-day ceasefire with Ukraine between May 9 and May 11 largely to secure the parade from possible long-range Ukrainian drone attacks after repeated strikes deep inside Russian territory in recent weeks. Moscow’s air defences reportedly intercepted more than 50 drones heading toward the Russian as of yesterday.
As part of the agreement brokered with US involvement, both sides also agreed to a major 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange, one of the largest swaps since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Despite the ceasefire, the atmosphere surrounding the Moscow parade remained tense. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had earlier warned foreign leaders against attending the parade, arguing that participation would amount to legitimising Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine. Kyiv also mocked Moscow’s security fears, with Zelensky sarcastically issuing a decree “permitting” Russia to hold its parade uninterrupted in Red Square.
The absence of military hardware from the parade marks a symbolic humiliation for Russia, whose annual Victory Day celebrations have long been used as a showcase of its military power and imperial nationalism. Even during previous crises, Russia traditionally displayed tanks, ballistic missile systems and armoured columns through Moscow’s centre.
Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited frontline positions in Ukraine’s Dnipro region, where he met military commanders and troops while reiterating Ukraine’s commitment to continuing resistance against the Russian invasion. Ukrainian officials stated that despite the temporary ceasefire agreement, Russian forces continued shelling and military activity across several sectors of the front.
Russia has killed up to 22 civilians in Ukraine during the last ten days with its daily bombings of drones and missiles against Ukrainian cities.
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