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Russia downscales V-Day parade amid Ukrainian drone surge

May 8, 2026

Russia's annual military parade on May 9 is meant to showcase military might. Instead, record Ukrainian drone attacks in the days leading up to the national holiday have caused Russia to scale down the big event.

https://p.dw.com/p/5DV11

A key Russian patriotic event is under pressure. Moscow's May 9 V-Day Parade, that commemorates the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in 1945 and was once a display of military power and global reach, has been scaled down after a surge in Ukrainian drone attacks. Fewer weapons, fewer guests, tighter security.

As strikes reach deep into Russia, even Russian President Vladimir Putin's residence is heavily protected.