In anticipation of Tuesday’s annual commemorations marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, Russia has implemented significant security measures. These include restrictions on using drones and ride-sharing services in its largest cities and even jet skis on St. Petersburg’s canals due to the ongoing war with Ukraine.
For the first time in years, at least 21 Russian cities have cancelled May 9 military parades, typically part of Victory Day celebrations. Regional officials cited vague “security concerns” or “the current situation” as reasons for the restrictions and cancellations without clarifying if these decisions were coordinated with the Kremlin.
Concerns about potential Ukrainian attacks have led to drone usage being banned in both Moscow and St. Petersburg ahead of Victory Day. Additionally, St. Petersburg has prohibited using jet skis in specific areas through May 10, and car-sharing services have been temporarily restricted in Moscow’s city center.
Foreign leaders, including Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and Kazakhstan’s leader Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, will join Russian President Vladimir Putin at the festivities.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed a bill to establish May 8 as the Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in World War II and May 9 as the Day of Europe, further distancing Ukraine from Russia.
As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues, Ukrainian air defences have shot down 35 Iranian-made drones over Kyiv, and Russian shelling across Ukraine has resulted in four civilian deaths.
Russian authorities have taken extensive precautions to ensure security during the WWII commemorations. Amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, the government is on high alert for potential threats. Despite these concerns, Moscow and St. Petersburg parades will proceed as planned, albeit with heightened security measures.
While the relationship between Russia and Ukraine remains tense, several foreign leaders are attending the Victory Day festivities in a show of solidarity. This includes leaders from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Armenia, and Kazakhstan, whose presence signals a desire for diplomacy despite the ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s proposal to establish May 8 as the Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in World War II and May 9 as the Day of Europe is a symbolic move to distance Ukraine from Russia. The draft bill, if passed, would further emphasize the growing rift between the two countries.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate, with Ukrainian air defences intercepting Iranian-made drones and Russian shelling causing civilian casualties. International efforts to resolve the crisis have thus far been unsuccessful, and the situation remains precarious.
As the commemorations take place in Russia, the international community will continue to watch the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine with concern. The outcome of diplomatic efforts and the impact of heightened security measures during the WWII commemorations remain to be seen.
