For the first time in two decades… Russian victory was displayed without tanks and missiles policy

On May 9, Russia is preparing to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

But for the first time in nearly two decades, tanks and missiles will not pass through the streets of Moscow, and the country will not display its military equipment, according to a report published by the British newspaper The Guardian.

Reasons and justifications

Moscow justified the move because of the “current operational situation,” according to the report, while the Kremlin confirmed that “Ukrainian terrorist activity” was the reason for the changes, according to what the newspaper reported.

However, analysts suggested, according to the newspaper, that the Russian Ministry of Defense’s decision comes in light of growing fears of Ukrainian attacks with long-range drones capable of striking targets deep inside Russia.

While the parade will continue with the participation of soldiers, this time it will be absent of everything that symbolizes heavy military power, including armored vehicles and missile systems.

Even students from military colleges and military youth institutions will not participate, an indication of an unprecedented level of caution, according to the report.

Ukrainian attacks

This shift comes at a time when Ukraine has intensified its strikes inside Russian territory since the outbreak of war in 2022, targeting vital installations such as oil refineries and supply centers.

The report indicates that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed his country’s ability to carry out precise strikes from distances exceeding 1,500 kilometers.

The Guardian quoted independent military analyst Ruslan Leviev, speaking to TV Rain, as saying that military equipment is “vulnerable, especially during the preparation phase,” as it is left in open squares that are easy to target with drones.

According to the analyst, targeting soldiers inside the city center and among crowds and tourists will be more difficult from an operational standpoint.

Compared to last year

The scene this year is noticeably different from the 2025 parade, when the capital, Moscow, witnessed a huge military parade in which about 10,000 soldiers participated, including forces from 13 countries, most notably China, Vietnam, Myanmar, Egypt, and Cuba.

The display included heavy military equipment, including tanks, defensive and offensive missile systems, and a flight of Russian fighter planes. About 20 country leaders participated in the celebration ceremony, while attendance this year has not yet been confirmed.