Russia has announced that its annual Victory Day parade on May 9 will not feature the traditional display of military hardware, marking the first such occurrence since 2007. The decision comes amid escalating Ukrainian attacks deep into Russian territory.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov attributed the decision to the threat of Ukrainian strikes, stating that “the Kyiv regime, which is losing ground on the battlefield every day, has launched full-scale terrorist activity.” He also noted that this year is not a significant anniversary, unlike the 80th anniversary in 2024.

Last year’s parade was a grand affair, hosting Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. In contrast, this year’s event is expected to be scaled back, with no heavy weaponry on display.

Analysts and critics suggest the cancellation signals vulnerability rather than strength. John Foreman, a former British defense attaché to Moscow, noted that 11,000 troops and 150 military vehicles participated in the 2025 parade. The absence of hardware is seen as a precaution against potential Ukrainian drone attacks.

“This decision signals a degree of vulnerability rather than strength, because even last year, Russia demonstrated a range of new tanks and drones,” said Natia Seskuria, an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute. The move is also interpreted as an effort to preserve military assets for ongoing combat operations in Ukraine.

Source: www.dw.com