Russia’s Defense Ministry announced late Tuesday that the nation will proceed with its annual Victory Day celebration on Moscow’s Red Square next month, though the traditional display of military hardware will be absent due to ongoing combat operations in Ukraine.
The May 9th commemoration, which honors the 81st anniversary of the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in what Russians refer to as the Great Patriotic War, represents one of Russia’s most significant national holidays. The annual event typically brings together aging veterans wearing their military decorations in an emotional celebration featuring films, documentaries, and wartime songs.
However, this year’s ceremony will take a notably different approach, according to the Defense Ministry’s announcement.
“Military personnel from the higher military educational institutions of all types and individual branches of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will take part in the parade as part of the marching column,” the ministry stated.
The official statement explained that certain educational institutions would be excluded from participation, “and nor will a column of military equipment take part in the military parade in connection with the current operational situation.”
Despite the absence of ground-based military vehicles, the parade will showcase personnel from various military branches currently involved in what the Kremlin terms its “special military operation.”
According to the ministry, participants will include members of Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces, Aerospace Forces, and naval personnel. Aircraft will conduct aerial demonstrations and conclude the ceremony by displaying Russia’s white, blue, and red flag colors across the sky.
The modified parade format comes as Russian forces continue their gradual advancement through eastern Ukraine, now more than four years into the conflict.
Senior military leaders claim Moscow’s troops are making progress across multiple battlefronts, with the Defense Ministry regularly reporting the seizure of Ukrainian villages, including two announced on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts brokered by the United States to reach a peaceful resolution remain at an impasse, as Washington’s attention has shifted toward Middle Eastern conflicts.
President Vladimir Putin has stated Moscow’s objective of capturing the complete Donbas region, encompassing both Donetsk and Luhansk areas, including territories that remain under Ukrainian control. Ukrainian leadership continues to reject any proposals involving withdrawal from currently held positions.
