Russia holds scaled-down Victory Day parade as temporary ceasefire takes effect

Key Points:

• Russian President Vladimir Putin presided over a significantly scaled-down Victory Day parade in Moscow’s Red Square, marking the first time in nearly two decades without any military hardware on display, coinciding with a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
• Putin linked Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, termed a “special military operation,” to the Soviet Union’s WWII sacrifices, framing current Russian soldiers as continuing the legacy of the victorious generation against NATO-backed forces.
• Instead of a traditional military show, the parade featured a pre-recorded video from the frontlines and a flyover by fighter planes, with over 1,000 soldiers involved, including units from North Korea, while international media access was heavily restricted.
• The ceasefire from May 9 to 11, including a large-scale prisoner exchange, was announced by US President Donald Trump and confirmed by both the Kremlin and Ukrainian President Zelensky, aiming to halt hostilities during the Victory Day period.
• The event took place amid growing economic concerns and tightened internet restrictions in Russia, with measures implemented around Moscow for security during the celebrations; several foreign dignitaries, including leaders from Belarus, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, attended the parade.