May 9 marks a significant occasion on the Russian calendar, representing the anniversary of the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II. Celebrated with a grand military parade in Moscow’s iconic Red Square, this day holds immense cultural importance in contemporary Russia.
“For modern Russia, it’s the main holiday of the year,” noted Oleg Ignatov, a senior analyst at Crisis Group. He emphasized that Russians often regard May 9 as the pinnacle of their national celebrations, second only to the New Year.
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This year, however, a notable change has occurred: there will be no display of tanks, missiles, or junior cadets participating in the parade for the first time in nearly two decades. This alteration is a response to increased security concerns stemming from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Nonetheless, personnel from higher-ranking military academies will still participate in the procession on foot, while the aerial portion promises to retain its grandeur, featuring an aerobatic display followed by Sukhoi Su-25 fighter jets showcasing the colors of the Russian flag.
The Kremlin has cited “the current operational situation” and potential threats from “Ukrainian terrorist activity” in their official statements.
Ukrainian drones have been increasingly striking deeper into Russian territory almost daily, targeting key facilities such as oil refineries and airfields. A series of recent drone attacks on the oil refinery in Tuapse has resulted in significant ecological damage and necessitated the evacuation of the town.
“Drones have emerged as the primary method for conducting attacks within Russian borders,” explained Olha Polishchuk, a research manager at Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED). “They are cost-effective, customizable, and capable of covering long distances. Both Ukraine and Russia have shifted to relying heavily on drones for their military operations.”
Polishchuk further noted that since 2025, drone strikes have surpassed other forms of attacks in frequency and effectiveness.
“While most drones are intercepted, saturating the air with enough of them ensures that some will reach their targets,” she added.
Fears of ‘political and psychological consequences’
In light of recent drone strikes targeting the capital, security measures in Moscow have been intensified since Ukrainian forces began their drone operations there in 2023, including an attack on the Kremlin itself.
Providers have periodically shut down mobile internet services in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and other regions leading up to the event, citing “security reasons.”
“Moscow boasts a robust air defense system that includes short-range missile systems, small arms, and electronic warfare capabilities,” Polishchuk detailed. “This multilayered defense is strategically positioned both within and surrounding the city. Historically, authorities have also interrupted cellular networks in Moscow to complicate drone navigation.”
“While Ukraine rarely targets Moscow due to the complicated air defense, it also focuses on more strategically important targets that present lower risks to civilians,” she emphasized.
Despite this, the Victory Day ceremonies carry inherent risks. A large assembly of troops and military equipment forms a vulnerable target not only during the parade but also during the lead-up and aftermath, as this hardware requires secure storage.
“Undoubtedly, there is concern regarding drones potentially launched from Ukraine; however, most of these are intercepted,” Ignatov commented. “The greater fear lies in small groups deploying drones that are smuggled into Russia for use against domestic targets, particularly during events like the Victory Day parade. Even a singular drone strike could evoke significant psychological and political repercussions.”
The Victory Day parade has roots in the communist era, serving as a platform for the populace to witness Soviet leaders on Lenin’s tomb and display military prowess. Although such parades were set aside following the Soviet Union’s dissolution in 1991, they were reinstated by President Vladimir Putin in 2008.
Following the onset of the full-scale conflict in 2022, the parade has faced further reductions. Only a symbolic Soviet-era T-34 tank was present on Red Square in 2024, alongside some armored personnel carriers and missile launchers.
Last year’s event was more extravagant, featuring modern tanks, heavy flamethrower systems, and ballistic missiles, and even included Russian troops marching alongside their Chinese counterparts.
Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the parade alongside Putin, amid a gathering of 27 heads of state, including Brazilian President Lula da Silva. This turnout suggested that, despite global condemnation of the Ukraine invasion, Moscow remains influential on the world stage.
‘Victory over Nazi barbarism’ or a ‘cynical distortion of history’
“Celebrating the Soviet and Allied defeat of Hitler’s Nazi alliance, Victory Day holds the utmost significance on Russia’s political calendar,” stated historian Geoffrey Roberts.
“The day will be marked as a Russian and Soviet victory, highlighting the collective struggle of all the nationalities within the USSR, including millions of Ukrainians. For the Russian government, Victory Day symbolizes multi-ethnic unity and serves as a reminder of the international anti-fascist coalition that thwarted Nazi barbarism during World War II.”
The Eastern Front, referred to as the Great Patriotic War in Russia, remains a critical element in the national memory, with approximately 27 million Soviet citizens losing their lives during the conflict—more than any other country. The Red Army famously raised their flag over the Reichstag in Berlin in 1945, marking the official surrender of Germany on May 9.
This historical narrative is actively employed by Putin’s government today to justify its actions in Ukraine, depicting the conflict as a fight against modern-day “Nazis.”
“In contemporary Russia, May 9 has seemingly been repurposed to endorse aggressive posturing and militarization,” Polishchuk stated.
“This day is a significant point of pride, cultivating the perception that Russia is strong, undefeated, and unwilling to accept disrespect. The typical refrain of ‘never again’ regarding WWII has shifted to ‘we can do it again’ as a prevalent slogan for Victory Day. Such rhetoric gains greater prominence amid ongoing wartime efforts, reinforcing a narrative that justifies the invasion of Ukraine and frames it as a rightful endeavor.”
As reported by the open-source intelligence platform Oryx, over 14,000 Russian tanks, armored personnel carriers, and other combat vehicles have been destroyed or lost since the beginning of the current phase of the conflict in 2022.
Ukraine views the Russian celebration of Victory Day as a cynical manipulation of history and endeavors to dissuade foreign dignitaries from attending, Polishchuk noted.
“While Ukraine generally maintains a pragmatic approach focused on military objectives, this instance suggests a potential symbolic strike,” she mentioned. “Choosing to conserve resources and refrain from attacking Moscow could prove wise, given the heightened state of air defenses and security concerns, yet Russian authorities are compelled to take measures to mitigate risks regardless.”
Key Takeaways
- The May 9 Victory Day parade is a significant event in Russia, symbolizing national pride and military might.
- This year marks a departure from tradition, with no major military hardware displayed due to security concerns stemming from the Ukraine conflict.
- Increased drone attacks from Ukraine have raised alarms about security vulnerabilities in metropolitan areas like Moscow.
- The historical narrative of Victory Day is often utilized by the Russian government to justify current military actions.
- Concerns about the psychological effects of drone attacks during the parade create heightened security measures.
- Ukraine considers the celebration of Victory Day, as understood in Russia, a distortion of historical truth.
FAQ
What is the significance of May 9 in Russia?
May 9 commemorates the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, marking a day of national pride and military showcase.
Why were tanks and heavy military equipment omitted from this year’s parade?
The decision was made due to heightened security concerns related to ongoing drone attacks from Ukraine.
How has the security situation in Moscow changed ahead of Victory Day?
Security measures have been intensified, including mobile internet shutdowns and greater air defense readiness.
What historical events does Victory Day celebrate?
Victory Day celebrates the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, often framed within a narrative of collective struggle and sacrifice by the Soviet Union.
