Russia To Hold Victory Day Parade Without Military Equipment For First Time Since Invading Ukraine

Russia will hold its annual Victory Day parade on May 9 without tanks, missiles or other heavy weapons, marking the first time in nearly two decades that military hardware will be absent from the celebration in Moscow’s Red Square. The Russian Defence Ministry said the decision was taken because of the “current operational situation” linked to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The parade, commemorating the 81st anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II , is Russia’s most important secular holiday and traditionally serves as a powerful display of military strength and national pride. Since 2008, columns of tanks, armoured vehicles and missile systems have been a regular feature of the event.

This year’s ceremony will instead include marching troops from higher military educational institutions and various branches of the armed forces, along with a traditional aircraft flypast displaying the colours of the Russian flag. However, cadets from youth military institutions such as the Suvorov and Nakhimov schools will also not participate.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the scaled-down format reflects security concerns caused by Ukraine’s attacks inside Russian territory, which he described as “terrorist activity.” Officials say authorities are taking extra precautions to minimise risks during the event.

Victory Day has long been central to Russia’s national identity, commemorating the Soviet Union’s immense wartime sacrifice of about 27 million lives during what Russians call the Great Patriotic War of 1941–45. Under President Vladimir Putin, the parade has become a key platform to promote patriotic sentiment and showcase Russia’s military power.

Last year’s parade featured more than 11,500 troops and over 180 military vehicles , including battlefield equipment used in Ukraine and nuclear-capable missile systems. In contrast, the 2026 ceremony reflects how the prolonged war and rising security threats have reshaped one of Russia’s most symbolic national events.