Every year, Moscow’s spring rain clouds are carefully manipulated with chemicals to ensure clear skies for the highly anticipated May 9 Victory Day parade, a key display of Russian pride. However, this year, the skies pose a different kind of threat—Ukrainian drones, potentially lethal, have already disrupted air traffic, leading to the closure of Moscow’s airports and heightened security concerns.
While local parades in Russian-annexed Crimea have been canceled due to security fears, the grand parade in Moscow will proceed as planned, despite growing unease within the Kremlin. The Victory Day event commemorates the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, a moment of deep national significance. It’s also an opportunity for President Vladimir Putin to showcase Russian military strength and rally national support.
This year’s 80th anniversary of the victory is especially crucial for the Kremlin and may be a prime target for opposition, including Ukrainian forces. Ukraine’s drone capabilities, honed over the course of the war, are considered a threat, especially with the anniversary marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict. Tens of thousands of Russians are expected to fill the streets of Moscow as tanks and missile launchers roll by. Putin has invited several international leaders, including Xi Jinping of China and Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, to highlight Russia’s importance on the global stage. Other leaders from Belarus, Cuba, Venezuela, and former Soviet states are also set to attend.
However, not all of the guests are welcomed in the West. The European Union has warned that Serbia’s bid for EU membership may be jeopardized by President Aleksandar Vucic’s attendance. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed skepticism about the proposed ceasefire, warning that Kyiv cannot take responsibility for any potential actions within Russia as the conflict continues. He emphasized that Ukraine will not cooperate in any way that would ease Putin’s international isolation.
The growing tensions surrounding the Victory Day parade highlight the larger geopolitical struggle. Despite China’s strong backing and improving relations between Russia and the U.S. under former President Donald Trump, there are clear signs that the Kremlin faces mounting challenges. Russian state media has speculated on the possibility of high-profile visits from Trump officials and even North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, though the Kremlin has not confirmed these rumors.
However, the atmosphere of optimism surrounding Russia’s military achievements in Ukraine is tempered by the harsh realities on the ground. Russia’s casualty figures are rising, with estimates of near one million killed or injured, according to Western sources. Meanwhile, the economy is under increasing pressure, particularly as global oil prices—critical to Russia’s economic stability—continue to fall.
Despite the parade’s grandeur, a decisive Russian victory in Ukraine remains elusive, and the challenges ahead for the Kremlin are becoming more apparent.
