Russia's Defense Ministry announced Tuesday that the annual Victory Day parade on May 9 in Moscow's Red Square will proceed without tanks, missiles, or other military hardware for the first time in nearly two decades. The decision marks a significant reduction from traditional displays, with the ministry citing the "current operational situation."

The parade will feature foot columns of servicemen from higher military educational institutions across all branches of the Russian Armed Forces, along with a traditional aircraft flyover. Cadets from Suvorov military schools, Nakhimov naval schools, and cadet corps will also be absent, as will the customary column of armored vehicles. National television will broadcast footage of Russian troops conducting operations in Ukraine, referred to by Moscow as the "special military operation."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov linked the changes to heightened security risks from Ukraine, stating that "the Kyiv regime, which is losing ground on the battlefield every day, has now launched full-scale terrorist activity." He added that "all measures are being taken to minimise the danger." Recent Ukrainian drone strikes deep inside Russia, including on oil refineries and energy facilities, have intensified concerns over potential attacks on high-profile events. Moscow will impose stricter restrictions on mobile communications on May 5, 7, and 9 to counter threats.

The ministry specified that several military schools and the hardware column would sit out due to operational demands, implying that equipment is needed at the front lines more than four years into the war. Pro-Kremlin bloggers have speculated about missile alerts disrupting the event, with one noting it would be a "significant blow in terms of media coverage, even if nothing hits."

Victory Day commemorates the Soviet Union's 1945 defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, a holiday central to Russian national identity, with 27 million Soviet lives lost. President Vladimir Putin has used the parades since reviving large-scale displays in 2008 to showcase military power and rally support for the Ukraine conflict. Last year's 80th anniversary event drew over two dozen world leaders and featured more than 11,000 troops, 180 vehicles, including tanks and drones, despite prior reductions.

Rehearsals continue, including full-scale marches in St. Petersburg this week, signaling the event will go ahead despite the scaled-back format. Ukrainian adviser Mykhailo Podoliak responded that Kyiv does not target civilians or infrastructure, noting crowds of spectators would attend.