Moscow: Russia held a Victory Day parade on Saturday in what was the smallest scale in years due to threats of attack from Ukraine. The military parade in Red Square is Russia's most important national holiday, celebrating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany and commemorating the 27 million Soviet citizens, including many Ukrainians, who perished in the war. Normally, the ceremony showcases military might, including nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles, but this year there were no tanks or other military equipment rolled across the cobblestones of Red Square.
According to Thai News Agency, President Vladimir Putin watched a military parade of army and navy personnel, some of whom had served in Ukraine, sitting alongside Russian veterans in front of Lenin's Mausoleum. North Korean troops also participated in the parade. Fighter jets flew over the Kremlin towers, and President Putin was scheduled to deliver a speech before laying a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Kremlin advisor Yuri Uchakov revealed that, overall, all ceremonies proceeded as normal, except for the display of military equipment. Security measures in Moscow were very tight, with images showing soldiers armed and stationed on pickup trucks. Roads around the city center, which has a dense population of over 22 million people, were closed.