1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
In focus
IranUkraineHantavirus
Latest audioLatest videos
Live TV
PoliticsRussian Federation

No tanks: What V-Day parade says about Russia's military

Gerhard Elfers
May 9, 2026

Russia marked Victory Day with a scaled‑back parade, skipping tanks and heavy weapons. With Russia's war in Ukraine now longer than the Soviet Union's fight in World War II, experts say the strain on Russia's military is increasingly visible.

https://p.dw.com/p/5DWjx
Skip next section Similar stories

Similar stories

Military parade marking 80th anniversary of Victory in Great Patriotic War in Moscow on May 9, 2025

Russia to hold Victory Day parade without weaponry display

The scaled back parade comes amid increasing Ukrainian attacks deep into mainland Russia, including the capital Moscow.
ConflictsApril 29, 2026
Russian President Vladimir Putin is seen on a screen while delivering a speech during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Saturday, May 9, 2026

Putin oversees scaled-back Victory Day parade on Red Square

The threat of Ukrainian attacks means tanks, missiles and other heavy weapons are absent from this year's event.
PoliticsMay 9, 2026
A military parade prepares to start in Red Square on Victory Day and mark 81 years since the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War, Eastern Front of World War II.

Russia marks Victory Day as the Ukraine war drags on

Amid tight security and a partial internet shutdown, Russia marked Victory Day after agreeing to a brief ceasefire.
PoliticsMay 9, 202602:22 min
Show more
Skip next section More on Politics from Europe

More on Politics from Europe

Hungarian designated minister of social and family affairs, Vilmos Kátai-Németh, wearing a suit and sunglasses in a room with other people next to him and behind him

Peter Magyar to appoint Hungary's first blind minister

Vilmos Katai-Nemeth wants to ensure equal access to healthcare and education and improve accessibility.
PoliticsMay 7, 202604:44 min
From left, European Council President Antonio Costa, Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shake hands at the conclusion of a media conference during the EU-Armenia summit at the Presidential Palace in Yerevan

Armenia's balancing act between Europe and Russia

The EU-Armenia summit in Yerevan boosts momentum for the ruling government ahead of parliamentary elections in June.
PoliticsMay 5, 202604:45 min
German and US flags are pictured on a city sign in the city of Ramstein. In the background, many parked cars are seen along a road

Germany's Ramstein base a 'global gateway' for US military

Germany's Ramstein is home to the largest US airbase outside the United States. Will the US troop drawback affect it?
PoliticsMay 2, 202605:30 min
Show more
Skip next section More on Politics from around the world

More on Politics from around the world

Portrait photograph of Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai from June 16, 2020.

Who is Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai?

Jimmy Lai, who has been awarded DW's Freedom of Speech Award, built arguably Hong Kong's most fearless newspaper.
PoliticsApril 30, 202602:09 min
A person places their hand, adorned with a gold ring, on an election campaign poster in Deir al-Balah

First Gaza municipal vote in decades held in only one city

It's the first vote in Gaza in more than 20 years — in the midst of war, displacement and devastation.
PoliticsApril 26, 202604:58 min
A street vendor walks past campaign posters of Lagos state gubernatorial candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Babajide Sanwo-Olu (2023 file photo)

Is Nigeria becoming a one-party state?

Africa's most populous nation is facing renewed questions about the health of its democracy.
PoliticsApril 25, 202604:50 min
Show more