Moscow Marks Victory Day Under Tight Security as Ceasefire Takes Effect

Russia on Friday held a scaled-down Victory Day parade in Moscow’s Red Square as a temporary ceasefire in the war with Ukraine took effect amid heightened security concerns and fears of possible attacks.

The annual parade, which commemorates the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, was notably smaller than previous editions, with no tanks, missiles, or other heavy military equipment displayed for the first time in nearly two decades. Russian officials said the decision was linked to the “current operational situation” surrounding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin used the occasion to praise Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, insisting that Russia was defending a “just cause” and would ultimately achieve victory.

Security across Moscow was significantly tightened ahead of the ceremony, with reports of internet disruptions, airport restrictions, and increased military presence around the capital amid concerns over potential Ukrainian drone attacks.

The parade coincided with a temporary ceasefire brokered with support from the United States, under which both Russia and Ukraine agreed to pause hostilities for three days and exchange prisoners. However, officials on both sides accused each other of violating earlier truce agreements before the latest pause came into effect.

For the first time, troops from North Korea participated in the parade, highlighting growing military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang following reports that North Korean forces assisted Russia in defending parts of the Kursk region.

Analysts say the reduced scale of this year’s Victory Day celebrations reflects the strain of the prolonged war in Ukraine, now in its fifth year, as Russia continues to face military, economic, and diplomatic pressures.