Steve Rosenberg: This year's Victory Day parade in Moscow felt very different

This year's Victory Day parade in Moscow was significantly scaled back, with fewer journalists and world leaders attending. The most notable difference was the absence of military hardware, including tanks and missiles, which are typically displayed to project Russian military strength. Russian authorities cited security concerns, specifically the fear of drone attacks from Ukraine, as the reason for the reduced spectacle. President Vladimir Putin reportedly made the decision to pare back the parade due to these fears, despite its usual role in showcasing national power. The parade ultimately proceeded without incident, with a last-minute ceasefire reportedly brokered by Donald Trump and a decree from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky permitting the event.

Russia held its annual Victory Day military parade in Moscow's Red Square on Saturday, commemorating the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. President Vladimir Putin used the occasion to rally support for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, stating, "our heroes move forward." This year's parade was notably scaled back due to security concerns, with heavy military hardware like tanks and missiles absent for the first time in nearly two decades. Officials cited the "current operational situation" and the threat of Ukrainian attacks as reasons for the reduced format, which instead featured a video of Russian military equipment deployed in Ukraine. Security was heightened throughout the event.

At a scaled-back Victory Day parade in Moscow on Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared Russia would "always be victorious," drawing parallels between World War II sacrifices and current soldiers in Ukraine. The event, held under heavy security amid fears of Ukrainian attacks, was notably stripped of its usual military hardware display, featuring instead a video of drone and nuclear capabilities. The parade, half its usual length, included foreign leaders from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and a contingent of North Korean soldiers. This year's reduced pageantry and heightened security underscore the challenges Russia faces in the ongoing conflict, which it euphemistically calls a "special military operation."

On May 9, 2026, Russia observed Victory Day with a military parade on Moscow's Red Square, commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. President Vladimir Putin presided over the event, which was conducted under heightened security measures. During his address, Putin stated that Russian troops engaged in the conflict in Ukraine are confronting an "aggressive force" that is armed and backed by NATO. The parade took place amidst a three-day ceasefire brokered by the United States, which had reportedly eased concerns about potential Ukrainian disruptions.

US President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, scheduled for May 9th, 10th, and 11th. This agreement follows US-mediated talks and includes a prisoner exchange. The ceasefire coincides with Russia's Victory Day, a commemoration of the Soviet Union's World War II victory. Trump stated that negotiations to end the conflict are ongoing and progressing. The pause in fighting aims to facilitate these diplomatic efforts.

Donald Trump announced on social media a three-day ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war, scheduled from May 9th to 11th. This ceasefire, confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, includes a suspension of all "kinetic activity" and a prisoner exchange of 1,000 individuals from each side. The announcement comes as Russia had previously declared a unilateral two-day ceasefire for its Victory Day celebrations on May 9th. Ukraine had also proposed a truce, which it claims Moscow ignored. This development marks a potential step towards ending the conflict, though both nations have a history of accusing each other of violating previous ceasefire agreements. Russia has not yet officially commented on Trump's announcement.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war, scheduled to begin Saturday, May 9th, and conclude Monday, May 11th. Both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Kremlin confirmed the truce, which was arranged through U.S. diplomatic efforts to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict. The ceasefire will involve a suspension of all military actions and a prisoner exchange, with 1,000 prisoners to be swapped from each country. Trump stated that talks are continuing to end the war, expressing hope that this ceasefire marks the beginning of the end of the conflict. This development comes as Russia had previously announced a unilateral ceasefire for Victory Day.

Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of violating a temporary ceasefire declared by Moscow for Victory Day, which commemorates the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany. Russia claimed to have downed numerous Ukrainian drones, including attempts targeting Moscow and the Perm region, and reported that 13 southern Russian airports suspended operations due to drone attacks. Ukraine's President Zelenskyy stated that Russian forces continued to attack overnight, deeming the ceasefire ineffective. The truce, intended to cover celebrations from May 8 to May 10, was announced by Russia, which had warned of a large-scale missile response to any disruptions.

Russia is scaling back its annual Victory Day celebrations on May 9, a significant holiday commemorating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany. For the first time in nearly two decades, the traditional military parade in Moscow's Red Square will exclude tanks, missiles, and junior cadets. This reduction in military displays is attributed to heightened security concerns amid ongoing Ukrainian assaults, which have increasingly targeted Russian territory with drones. While ground troops from higher military academies will still march, the aerial aerobatic show is expected to proceed as usual. The Kremlin cited "the current operational situation" and threats of "Ukrainian terrorist activity" as reasons for the altered celebrations.

Ukraine has criticized Russia for launching over 100 combat drones and three missiles on Ukrainian cities, killing at least 28 civilians, despite a unilateral 24-hour ceasefire proposed by President Zelenskyy. The attacks occurred overnight, with significant strikes reported in Donetsk, Poltava, and Dnipro regions. Ukraine's foreign minister stated that Russia's actions demonstrate a rejection of peace and that President Putin prioritizes military parades over human lives. These strikes are the deadliest in weeks and come as Russia's battlefield advances have stalled. Meanwhile, Russia has implemented security measures for its upcoming Victory Day parade, including transferring air defense systems to Moscow and shutting down mobile internet.

Russia has continued its attacks across Ukraine, disregarding Kyiv's unilateral ceasefire announcement for May 9th. On Tuesday, 27 people were killed nationwide, with 12 fatalities in Zaporizhzhia. Ukraine's Foreign Minister stated Russia's actions demonstrate a lack of diplomatic intent, prioritizing military parades over human lives. Russia has not responded to Ukraine's ceasefire demand but has threatened a "massive missile strike" on Kyiv if Ukraine violates Russia's truce. Meanwhile, Ukraine has successfully targeted Russian cities, including an attack on Cheboksary, over 1,500 km from its border, killing two people. Russia has cited "terrorist threats" from Kyiv for scaling down its May 9th military parade and warned of mobile internet disruptions in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Russian attacks in eastern Ukraine resulted in at least 27 fatalities on Tuesday, with one strike alone claiming 12 lives. This escalation occurred just hours before a proposed open-ended ceasefire by Ukraine, set to begin at midnight on Wednesday. Russia had previously announced a ceasefire for May 8-9, coinciding with World War II victory commemorations and a military parade in Moscow. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Russia's proposal, stating it was unacceptable to halt strikes for a single day while continuing to heavily bombard Ukraine. Ukraine urged Russia to reciprocate its offer for an open-ended ceasefire.

Russia's Foreign Ministry has advised diplomatic missions in Kyiv to evacuate their staff due to the possibility of retaliatory mass strikes. This warning comes in response to potential Ukrainian attacks aimed at disrupting Russia's May 9th Victory Day commemorations. Russian officials cited President Zelenskyy's "aggressive and threatening statements" regarding these commemorations as a basis for the warning. The Russian Defence Ministry had previously issued a similar warning about a potential strike on Kyiv. The move highlights heightened tensions surrounding the upcoming Victory Day events and Russia's stated concerns about Ukrainian actions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russia's "utter cynicism" after overnight strikes killed five people in Ukraine, occurring as Russia sought a truce for its Victory Day parade. The attacks, which hit a gas facility in Poltava and killed two emergency responders in a follow-on strike, injured 37 others. Zelenskyy stated Russia could end the war by ceasing fire, highlighting that Moscow's request for a ceasefire for propaganda celebrations while continuing daily strikes is hypocritical. Russia announced a unilateral ceasefire for its Victory Day parade on Friday, which will feature less military hardware due to concerns about Ukrainian drone attacks. Ukraine has offered its own 24-hour ceasefire if Russia reciprocates, a condition previously unmet.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned Russia's "utter cynicism" for launching deadly attacks while simultaneously proposing a ceasefire. Russia announced a unilateral ceasefire for May 8th and 9th, coinciding with World War Two victory celebrations, and threatened Kyiv with missile strikes if the truce was violated. Ukraine, however, declared its own open-ended ceasefire starting May 6th, stating it would respond symmetrically to any violations. Overnight attacks across Ukraine killed five people and injured dozens, occurring as these ceasefire proposals were made. Zelensky criticized Russia's actions as propaganda-driven, urging them to disarm and engage in genuine diplomacy. The proposed ceasefires appear unilateral, lacking mutual agreement on terms or monitoring.

Russian air attacks targeted Ukrainian state-run gas facilities in the Poltava and Kharkiv regions overnight, resulting in the deaths of five people. The victims included three Naftogaz employees and two emergency service rescuers, with an additional 37 individuals wounded. Naftogaz CEO Serhiy Koretskyi reported significant damage and production losses, stating the attack involved drones and ballistic missiles, and cut gas supply to nearly 3,500 customers. This occurred shortly after both Ukraine and Russia announced unilateral ceasefires to take effect later in the week. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes as "utter cynicism" from Russian authorities, emphasizing Ukraine's commitment to peace but also its readiness to respond.

Moscow has intensified security measures ahead of its annual Victory Day parade on May 9th, a significant national celebration. Airports in the capital were temporarily shut down, and mobile internet access was disrupted for many residents on Tuesday. These actions are being taken amid concerns of potential Ukrainian drone strikes, particularly after a recent drone incident near the Kremlin. Russia has also proposed a unilateral ceasefire with Ukraine for May 8th-9th, which Ukraine has dismissed as a tactic to protect the parade. The parade itself will be scaled back, notably excluding heavy military hardware for the first time in nearly two decades due to these security fears.

Moscow conducted a rehearsal for its annual Victory Day parade, scheduled for May 9th, which commemorates the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. In conjunction with the celebrations, Russia announced a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine. This annual parade is a significant event for Russia, showcasing its military might and honoring the sacrifices made during the war. The ceasefire in Ukraine is intended to allow for the uninterrupted observance of Victory Day. The rehearsal and the ceasefire announcement highlight the importance Russia places on this historical commemoration.

A Ukrainian drone struck an upscale residential building in Moscow early Monday, causing visible facade damage but no casualties. This marks the third consecutive night of drone attacks on the Russian capital ahead of Victory Day celebrations. Two other drones were intercepted, and operations at Vnukovo and Domodedovo airports were temporarily suspended. The Russian defense ministry reported intercepting 117 drones across several regions, with 60 targeting the St. Petersburg area. The Moscow building hit is located in a wealthy neighborhood near the Kremlin, and while drone attacks on Moscow have occurred previously, strikes this close to the city center are uncommon.

A drone struck an upscale residential tower in Moscow on Monday, May 4, 2026, just kilometers from the Kremlin. Moscow's air defenses reportedly repelled an attack by two Ukrainian drones, with one impacting the building on Mosfilmovskaya Street. This incident occurred as the Russian capital was preparing for its traditional World War II Victory Day parade, which has seen scaled-back security measures due to ongoing concerns. Local media indicated damage to the upper floors of the building, though no casualties were reported. This marks a rare instance of a drone strike reaching this close to the city center, as interceptions typically occur outside the capital.

Russia and Ukraine have declared competing unilateral ceasefires in their ongoing conflict. Russia announced a truce from May 8-9, coinciding with its traditional Victory Day celebrations and a military parade in Moscow, hoping Ukraine would reciprocate. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated he received no official notification from Russia and announced Ukraine's own ceasefire would begin at midnight on May 5-6. Zelenskyy emphasized the value of human life over anniversaries and urged Russian leaders to take real steps to end the war. The competing declarations highlight the ongoing tensions and differing approaches to de-escalation.