Six Russian regions have canceled their traditional military parades on May 9, when the country celebrates victory over Nazi Germany. The reason is fear of Ukrainian attacks.
– There will be no parade to avoid provoking the enemy, says the head of the region Vyacheslav Gladkov, according to The Guardian.
Since before, several border regions with Ukraine have canceled the annual military parades, fearing Ukrainian attacks. But now the governor of Saratov, which is 600 kilometers from the border, also announces that the celebration is canceled due to security reasons. The announcement comes at the same time as several Ukrainian leaders say they are ready to launch a spring offensive.
Central part of Russian identity
The patriotic military parades are held every year on May 9 to celebrate Russia’s victory in World War II. During the celebration, which is usually organized throughout Russia, those who died in the battles are honored. The parades are described as having a central part in Vladimir Putin’s vision of Russian identity. During the parades, Russian weapons are displayed while paying tribute to war veterans.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has further strengthened the significance of the celebration as Putin has on several occasions drawn historical parallels between the wars.
– Victory will be ours, just like in 1945, Putin said during last year’s Victory Day.
Last week, an oil depot on the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula was attacked. A spokesperson for the Ukrainian military said at the time that it was important to strike against the Russian logistical capacity before “the broad, full-scale offensive that everyone expects”.
“Do whatever it takes”
Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed today that the security service is “doing everything necessary to ensure security” during Victory Day.
– Of course, we are aware that the Kiev regime, which is behind a number of such attacks, terrorist acts, plans to continue its line, Peskov said when asked at a press conference.
Ukraine has previously used drones to strike deep into Russian territory. In December, an airbase near Ryazan, just 200 miles from Moscow, was attacked.
Security services in Moscow announced last week that they are closing Red Square to the public for two weeks in preparation for the military parade where Putin is expected to make an appearance.
The national military parade on Red Square in Moscow is so far planned to be carried out as usual. The regions canceling the celebrations are Belgorod, Kursk, Voronezh, Oryol and Pskov, Russian-occupied Crimea and Saratov.