Russia to mark Victory Day without military gear

April 30, 2026

Summary

Russia said its May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow will proceed without tanks or missiles, citing the current operational situation.

Why this matters

Victory Day is one of Russia’s most significant state ceremonies and a key display of military power. The removal of military equipment reflects how the war in Ukraine and related security concerns are affecting even Russia’s most symbolic public events.

Russia’s annual Victory Day parade in Moscow will take place next week without tanks, missiles, or other military equipment, the Defense Ministry said.

It will be the first Red Square parade since 2008 without military hardware, and the first during Russia’s war in Ukraine. Victory Day on May 9, marking the Soviet defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, is Russia’s most important secular holiday.

The ministry said the decision reflected the “current operational situation” and also meant cadets would not take part in this year’s parade, marking the 81st anniversary of the victory. Smaller parades are also held in other cities, including St. Petersburg.

The ministry did not elaborate. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday blamed Ukraine, accusing it of “terrorist activity,” an apparent reference to drone strikes that have reached locations deep inside Russia, including Ust-Luga, the Samara region, and the Perm region. “All measures are being taken to minimize the danger,” he told reporters.

The parade will include “servicemen from higher military educational institutions of all kinds and certain service branches of the Russian Armed Forces” and a traditional military aircraft flyover, the ministry said.

Later Wednesday, Putin told President Donald Trump by phone that he was ready to declare a ceasefire with Ukraine for the Victory Day holiday, according to presidential adviser Yuri Ushakov. Ushakov said Trump supported the idea because the holiday marked “our common victory over fascism” in World War II.

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