MOSCOW: Russia will commemorate the upcoming Victory Day in Moscow’s Red Square with a military parade that notably will not feature military equipment, according to the country’s Defence Ministry. The decision reflects what officials described as the “current operational situation” in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The annual parade, traditionally held on May 9 to mark the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany, will this year mark the 81st anniversary of Victory in what Russia calls the Great Patriotic War. Instead of tanks and armored vehicles, the event will focus on marching servicemen from various branches of the armed forces.
Military personnel from Russia’s higher military educational institutions and different branches of the Armed Forces are expected to take part in the parade. However, certain institutions will not participate, and no column of military hardware will pass through Red Square.
The Defence Ministry said the event will still showcase Russia’s military capabilities through personnel representing the Strategic Missile Forces, Aerospace Forces, and naval units. An air force flypast is also planned, concluding with aircraft releasing the national flag colors over Moscow.
Despite the symbolic celebrations, Russia’s war in Ukraine continues into its fourth year, with ongoing fighting in eastern regions. Moscow claims incremental territorial advances, including the capture of additional villages, while Ukrainian forces maintain resistance. U.S.-mediated diplomatic efforts to reach a settlement remain stalled.
Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin continues to assert Russia’s objective of fully controlling the Donbas region, while Ukraine rejects any territorial concessions.
