Moscow set to hold Victory Day parade in Red Square parade amid tight security
Key takeaways
- Security was tight in Moscow on Saturday as President Vladimir Putin prepared to speak at Russia’s annual Victory Day parade in Red Square.
- Issued on: 09/05/2026 - 07:28Modified: 09/05/2026 - 07:28
- But this year, for the first time in nearly two decades, the parade will take place without tanks, missiles and other heavy weapons, aside from a traditional flyover of combat jets.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
Security was tight in Moscow on Saturday as President Vladimir Putin prepared to speak at Russia’s annual Victory Day parade in Red Square. Authorities have scaled back the traditional military display amid fears of Ukrainian attacks despite a fragile US-backed ceasefire intended to prevent disruptions to the commemorations.
Issued on: 09/05/2026 - 07:28Modified: 09/05/2026 - 07:28
By: FRANCE 24 People walk alongside a police fence at Manezhnaya Square in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 8, 2026, as part of preparations on the eve of the 81st anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during World War II. © Alexander Zemlianichenko, AP Security was tight in Moscow as President Vladimir Putin was set to speak on Saturday at a Red Square parade commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, even as a US-brokered three-day ceasefire eased concerns about possible Ukrainian attempts to disrupt the festivities.