President Vladimir Putin presided over a notably subdued Victory Day parade held in Moscow's Red Square, commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. Unlike previous years, the event did not showcase heavy armored vehicles or ballistic missiles, signaling a more restrained celebration. This adjustment reflects heightened security concerns amid fears of possible Ukrainian attacks on the city.
During the parade, Putin used his address to justify Russia's ongoing military actions in Ukraine and criticized NATO's policies. The limited scale of the ceremony underscores the influence of the extended conflict on Russia's public commemorations, highlighting a shift in how the country marks this significant historical event under current security challenges.