Putin Finds Justification for a Different May 9 Parade

The Kremlin has announced that Russia will proceed with its annual Victory Day parade on May 9, though it will be scaled back from the grand spectacle of last year's anniversary. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov explained that the decision to modify the parade is a direct response to what Russia terms 'terrorist activities' by the Kyiv regime, which he claims is losing territory daily. He stated that 'all measures are being taken to minimize the danger' posed by this perceived threat.

While a parade will still occur, Peskov emphasized it will be in a 'smaller format' because this year is not a jubilee. Last year's event was described as a 'jubilee parade' befitting a significant date. This year, the focus will shift, with traditional displays of armored vehicles being omitted. Instead, the parade will feature only infantry columns marching on Red Square. However, the aerial component will remain, with aerobatic teams performing and Su-25 attack aircraft expected to 'paint the sky' in the colors of the Russian flag.

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Kyjivo režimas, kuris kasdien praranda teritoriją, praranda teritoriją mūšio lauke, dabar visiškai išlaisvino teroristinę veiklą. Todėl, atsižvelgiant į tai atsižvelgiant į šią teroristinę grėsmę, žinoma, imamasi visų priemonių, kad pavojus būtų kuo mažesnis

This adjustment to the Victory Day celebrations, a cornerstone of Russian national memory and pride, reflects the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Kremlin's framing of the situation as a response to 'terrorist threats' from Kyiv aims to bolster domestic support and justify military actions. The reduced scale, while explained as a practical measure due to the lack of a jubilee, also implicitly acknowledges the current military realities and potential security concerns, a nuance likely to be understood by the Russian public.

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Nepamirškime, kad praėjusiais metais buvo jubiliejinis paradas. Didelio masto, toks, koks turėtų būti rengiamas svarbią datą. Tai ne jubiliejus, bet paradas vis tiek įvyks, nors ir mažesniu formatu