Russia held its annual Victory Day parade in Moscow on Saturday (9 May), commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany during the Second World War.
The event in Red Square featured heightened security and a reduced military display, with President Vladimir Putin addressing troops and foreign units, including soldiers from North Korea. Heavy weapons such as tanks and missile systems were absent, with officials citing the “current operational situation” and concerns over potential Ukrainian attacks.
During his speech, Putin linked Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine to the Soviet victory in what Russia calls the Great Patriotic War, praising Russian forces involved in the conflict. The 45-minute parade instead featured video footage of military equipment deployed in Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed additional security measures had been introduced around the celebrations.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said Russia and Ukraine had agreed to a three-day ceasefire and prisoner exchange, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a symbolic decree referencing Red Square and drone threats.
Speaking to state television reporter Pavel Zarubin, Peskov said discussions on a potential settlement remained complex, stating: “It is understandable that the American side is in a hurry … but the issue of a Ukrainian settlement is far too complex, and reaching a peace agreement is a very long way with complex details.”
ℹ️ AP News, Al Jazeera, Reuters
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