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Rosenberg: Scaled-back Victory Parade in Moscow's Red Square

The BBC's Russia editor reports from Moscow, where the annual Victory Day display was quieter than usual.

Published May 9, 2026, 12:12 PM
Updated May 9, 2026, 1:43 PM2.5K
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Rosenberg: Scaled-back Victory Parade in Moscow's Red Square

With fewer guests, fewer reporters, and no military hardware on display, Moscow's Victory Day parade was a much quieter affair than usual on Saturday.

The annual showcase of military might was scaled back due to security concerns, with Russian authorities fearing Ukrainian forces could target Red Square with a drone strike.

A last-minute ceasefire, brokered by US President Donald Trump, saw Kyiv agree not to attack the parade.

But the smaller display, with none of the usual tanks or ballistic missiles, is a reminder that Russia's war on Ukraine may not be going to plan.

The BBC's Russia editor Steve Rosenberg was one of the few foreign journalists allowed to attend this year.

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