Russia is scaling back its Victory Day military parade this year, citing security concerns amid intensified Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory. The annual event, scheduled for May 9 in Moscow’s Red Square, will proceed in a reduced format without the traditional showcase of military hardware for the first time in nearly two decades, according to a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry posted on Telegram.

This year’s parade will feature fewer participants, with several military schools and cadet corps excluded “due to the current operational situation,” the ministry said. Although ground demonstrations of weaponry will be limited, an aerial display remains planned, with Su-25 jets expected to fly over Moscow, trailing the Russian flag.

Victory Day, marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, has historically been a key moment for Russia to display its military strength. Under President Vladimir Putin, the parade has taken on heightened significance, especially following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russian leadership has repeatedly invoked the historical symbolism of World War II to frame the conflict, presenting their military operations as a continuation of the fight against fascism and “denazification” of Ukraine.

In previous years, the event drew substantial international attention. Last year’s parade, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, featured the participation of around two dozen world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with thousands of troops and modern military equipment, some of which had been deployed in Ukraine.

Details about this year’s foreign guest list remain unclear, though Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed the attendance of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Fico is among a shrinking number of European leaders maintaining ties with Moscow, particularly after the loss of parliamentary majority by Hungary’s Viktor Orban earlier this month.

Russian officials attribute the parade’s scale-back to increased “Ukrainian terrorist activity.” Analysts and military bloggers suggest the concern centers on the vulnerability of expensive military hardware staged outside during rehearsals, which are held in open areas near Moscow and thus susceptible to precision Ukrainian drone or missile strikes. Troops and aircraft, by contrast, are deemed safer due to crowds of civilians that would complicate targeted attacks.

Military expert Ruslan Leviev told independent media that reduced Russian air defenses—due to attrition on both sides—have heightened Moscow’s concerns about countering Ukraine’s expanded long-range drone campaign. Ukraine has enhanced its capability to strike deeper inside Russia, moving beyond reactive raids to sustained attacks targeting key infrastructure.

Security measures similar to those implemented last year are expected again, including internet shutdowns in Moscow during the parade. In recent months, Russia has increased digital restrictions nationally, deploying nationwide mobile blackouts and limiting access to global internet resources to curb unauthorized communications and information flow.

The decision to trim the parade’s scale coincides with a recent surge in Ukrainian strikes on Russian critical infrastructure. Overnight, a major oil refinery in Tuapse on the Black Sea coast was hit for the third time in April, causing significant fire damage and forcing local evacuations. Past attacks at the facility have resulted in oil spills and environmental emergencies, with local reports of contaminated rain and beaches triggering concern. The Kremlin condemned these strikes, accusing Kyiv of exacerbating global energy market instability.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the country’s intent to intensify operations on Russian soil. Posting on social media, Zelensky shared footage of a deep strike—over 900 miles from the frontline—calling it “a new stage” in Ukraine’s efforts to reduce Russia’s war potential. Ukrainian security services confirmed the successful attack, underscoring Kyiv’s commitment to expanding the scale and range of its military actions.