Russia will mark the anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany next month with a military parade on Moscow's Red Square, but without a display of military equipment due to the "operational situation" in the war in Ukraine. This was announced by the Russian Defense Ministry, quoted by Reuters, reports BTA.
The parade is traditionally held on May 9 - the day Germany signed its surrender to the Soviet Union in World War II. This year marks the 81st anniversary of the event known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War.
It is one of the most significant holidays in the Russian calendar, accompanied by military ceremonies, emotional celebrations, film screenings and music programs, Reuters notes.
According to the Russian Ministry, no military equipment will be presented on Red Square this year. The parade will only feature servicemen from military academies and various branches of the armed forces.
“There will be no column of military equipment in connection with the current operational situation“, the official statement said.
At the same time, the parade will include representatives of the Strategic Missile Forces, Aerospace Forces and Navy crews, as well as aerial demonstrations with flyovers of combat aircraft.
Moscow continues to present the war in Ukraine as a “special military operation“, and according to the Russian military department, its forces are advancing on several fronts.
Peace talks brokered by the United States remain stalled while hostilities in Ukraine have been ongoing for more than four years.