Red Square Changed: Victory Day 💔🔥

THE SCALE-BACKED VICTORY DAY PARADE
For the first time in nearly two decades, Russia’s annual Victory Day parade on Moscow’s Red Square will not feature a military hardware display. This decision, announced by the Kremlin on Wednesday, is attributed to Ukraine’s “terrorist activity,” specifically referring to ongoing drone attacks deep within Russia. The event, traditionally a showcase of Russia’s military might and a source of patriotic pride, marks the 81st anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany.

UKRAINIAN DRONE ATTACKS AND THEIR IMPACT
Ukraine has been launching drone attacks deep inside Russia, targeting locations such as Ust-Luga, Samara, and Perm. These attacks, a countermeasure to Moscow’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, have prompted the Russian Defence Ministry to exclude military equipment, cadets, and the usual flyover from this year’s parade. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov directly blamed Ukraine for these actions, labeling them “terrorist activity.” The escalating attacks demonstrate a shift in the conflict, moving beyond Ukraine’s borders and posing a direct challenge to Russia’s security.

SECURITY CONCERNS AND MILITARY CONSIDERATIONS
While security concerns are cited as a primary reason for the scaled-back parade, analysts believe there are also practical military considerations at play. Natia Seskuria, a Royal United Services Institute associate fellow, highlighted the need to minimize danger, preserve equipment, avoid highlighting battlefield losses, and reduce the exposure of valuable military assets. Removing the traditional military hardware display weakens the propaganda value of the event, particularly for domestic audiences, diminishing a key symbol of Russian power and military prestige. The decision represents a degree of vulnerability, especially considering Russia’s previous demonstrations of new military technologies to international observers.

THE PARADE’S HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND TRADITIONS
Victory Day parades on Red Square have a long and significant history. The first Red Square parade marking the defeat of Nazi Germany took place on June 24, 1945, shortly after the war’s end. The parade was held repeatedly in the years following, with the last Soviet-era parade occurring in 1990. After the collapse of the USSR, parades resumed in 1995, featuring troops, veterans, and a separate military equipment display at Poklonnaya Gora. Prior to 2020, parades were held annually, consistently showcasing tanks, missile systems, artillery, and even nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles, alongside fighter jet flyovers. The scale of the parades, particularly in recent years, was immense, involving over 11,500 troops and 180 military vehicles.

CHANGING PARADIGMS: 2020 AND 2023 ADJUSTMENTS
In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the parade was moved to June 24th, and authorities implemented measures to prevent drone attacks. In 2023, the parade was already scaled down, with fewer troops and military equipment on display and a temporary block on cellphone internet in Moscow to mitigate the threat of further drone attacks. These adjustments reflect the evolving security landscape and the ongoing impact of the conflict in Ukraine on Russia’s ability to conduct traditional military displays.

FOREIGN DIGNITARIES AND CONTINUED SUPPORT
Despite the altered circumstances, several foreign dignitaries are expected to attend this year’s parade, including Fico, the Prime Minister of Slovakia. Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s aide, confirmed this, signaling continued international engagement, even amidst the ongoing conflict. Putin himself declared a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire starting May 7, 2025, further demonstrating a strategic pause while highlighting the continued commitment to the war in Ukraine.