Russia’s annual Victory Day parade on Red Square, which marks the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, will be held without military vehicles for the first time in nearly 20 years this May 9.
Speculation has swirled as to why the Kremlin would break with its long-standing tradition of showcasing tanks, missile systems and other military equipment at the event, one of President Vladimir Putin’s most important political spectacles.
Some suggested the move was due to the risk of Ukrainian drones striking the capital, while others said it might reflect “battlefield pressures” on Russia’s military as the fifth year of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine drags on.
Several military schools, cadet corps, “as well as the military hardware column, will not be participating in this year's military parade due to the current operational situation,” the Defense Ministry said in its midnight announcement on Wednesday.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the changes were tied to what he described as the “terrorist activities” of the Ukrainian government.
