Six regions of Russia, as well as Crimea, occupied by the aggressor country, and 21 cities canceled parades in honor of May 9 due to security reasons. The British Ministry of Defense announced this on May 6 on Twitter with reference to military intelligence data.
According to her, the celebration of the end of the Second World War in Moscow will most likely take place, but on a smaller scale than previously planned.
"The reception of Russian President Vladimir Putin after the parade (the last time it was held in 2019) will not take place. The traditional "Immortal Regiment" march, where family members display photos of fallen World War II veterans, has also been canceled. This follows the recent cancellation of the International Army Games carried out by Russia," the message says.
British intelligence said the drone strikes on the Kremlin on May 3 show Russia's growing vulnerability to such attacks. They almost certainly increased the threat perception of the Russian leadership through events dedicated to May 9.
"The potential for protests and discontent in connection with the war in Ukraine is also likely to have influenced the calculations of the Russian leadership," added the British Ministry of Defence.
The Minister of Defense of Russia's aggressor country, Serhiy Shoigu, informed about the preparation of the parade on the Red Square in Moscow, Vidomosti wrote. It was assumed in the Kremlin that the parade on Red Square will feature military personnel who participated in the war against Ukraine. In early April, Kremlin Speaker Dmytro Peskov said that "there are no changes in the plans for the parade," but, as before, it is planned that "intensified measures will be taken to ensure security" at the event, Gazeta.Ru reported.
According to Radio Liberty, this year on May 9, a parade will be held on Red Square in Moscow with the participation of more than 10,000 military personnel and 125 pieces of equipment. Russian President Vladimir Putin is also scheduled to speak at the event.
Since April 27, Red Square near the Kremlin has been closed to visitors. Access there will be restored after the celebrations on May 9, the press center of the Federal Security Service of Russia reported.
At the same time, parades on May 9 were canceled in 21 cities of the Russian Federation and occupied Crimea.
