BBC
I have participated in numerous Victory Day parades on Red Square, but this year's event presented a distinct atmosphere.
In prior years, I rushed from the media bus parked near St. Basil's Cathedral to secure a favorable position in the press area alongside the square. This year, however, such urgency was unnecessary, as there were significantly fewer journalists present. Many international media outlets were denied access.
Upon arriving at my spot on Red Square, a Russian television crew approached me for filming.
"Steve, you’re proof that foreign media have been allowed in," said the reporter with enthusiasm.
"Not really," I replied. "I can’t see any others."
Nevertheless, I was pleased to attend to witness the form of Victory Parade 2026 firsthand.
In addition to the reduced number of journalists, there was a noticeable decrease in the number of guests in the stands, and fewer world leaders attended the occasion compared to previous years.
However, the most striking alteration became apparent once the parade commenced.
There were no tanks, rocket launchers, or intercontinental ballistic missiles on display—none of the military machinery typically showcased by the Kremlin during Victory Day to project Russian military prowess on the global stage.
This modification was due to a scaled-back parade which correlated with the diminished attendance of guests and journalists. The authorities cited security concerns, expressing fears that Ukraine might attempt to target Red Square with drones.
President Vladimir Putin was likely hesitant to reduce a parade that is conventionally designed to convey a message of Russian strength. Yet, the apprehension regarding a potential Ukrainian attack necessitated this adjustment.
Ultimately, the parade proceeded without any incidents or assaults, partly due to a last-minute ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv that was brokered by Donald Trump. This arrangement mitigated the perceived dangers.
On the preceding Friday, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a decree "permitting" Russia to conduct the parade, a move that was not well-received by Moscow.
A Kremlin spokesperson remarked that Russia did not require anyone's permission to hold the Victory Parade.
And regarding the military hardware previously mentioned, although it was absent from the square, it was visible on screens.
Numerous images of rocket launchers, fighter aircraft, tanks, submarines, and other weaponry were displayed on large screens strategically set up on Red Square.
The Kremlin seemingly opted for this video presentation as a substitute for a live display of military assets when public display proved unsuitable.
"We always were and always will be victorious!" declared President Putin in his address.
The Soviet Union celebrated its victory 81 years ago, commemorating what it refers to as the "Great Victory" of 1945 when it repelled and conquered an aggressor.
This historic achievement was acknowledged today on Red Square.
However, the situation regarding the war in Ukraine is considerably more complex. Russia's invasion of Ukraine occurred over four years ago, and at this juncture, there are no indications of victory for Russia.
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