Attendees for Putin's Victory Day Parade and Moscow's Security Assessment
Going to Russia's Victory Day Parade? Brace Yourself for Turbulent Times
Heading to Moscow for Russia's Victory Day parade on May 9? Be prepared for a rollercoaster ride of diplomatic tensions, security risks, and questionable safety measures.
The Russia-Ukraine Standoff
For President Vladimir Putin, Victory Day is the feather in his cap, the most significant public holiday of the year. Yet, this year's celebrations might be far from a triumphant spectacle. With ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, Moscow faces an unprecedented security challenge.
Why the Concern?
Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has made it clear that he cannot guarantee the safety of foreign officials planning to attend the parade. Tensions escalated further when Slovakia's Moscow-friendly Prime Minister, Robert Fico, criticized Zelenskyy's warning as "threatening." However, with rumors of Fico canceling public appearances, including the Labour Day events, speculation swirls about his participation in Moscow.
European Absence, Chinese Presence
Despite European politicians’ absence, one esteemed guest will be in attendance: Chinese President Xi Jinping, who will participate in celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany.
A Precarious Parade
Last week, Putin proposed a three-day ceasefire with Ukraine from May 7-9, around the Victory Day celebration. However, the proposal was dismissed by Kyiv, who viewed it as a theatrical move designed to ease Russia's international isolation and create a favorable atmosphere for the festivities in Moscow.
Kyiv has also raised concerns about Russia's history of violating short-term truces, casting doubt on Moscow's latest offer. If that's not enough, Moscow faced potential drone attacks last Monday, with four drones intercepted overnight as they approached the city. These weren't the first drones to reach Moscow; in mid-March, over 70 drones were shot down.
Sevastopol: A Complete No-Show
The occupied Crimean port city of Sevastopol won't be participating in this year's parade due to safety concerns. The announcement follows a reported Ukrainian sea drone strike that destroyed a Russian Su-30 fighter jet near the port of Novorossiysk last Friday. It marks the third consecutive year that Sevastopol has cancelled the parade.
A Symbol of Power and Propaganda
For Moscow, 9 May holds more significance than just a victory fete. Under Putin, it has become one of the most important public holidays, serving as a grand demonstration of Russia's military power. Yet, the symbolic value of Victory Day has reached new heights since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.
Ukraine's Shift in Commemoration
Ukraine, on the other hand, has distanced itself from Soviet-era commemorations and dates. President Zelenskyy signed a law in 2023 moving Ukraine's World War II remembrance to 8 May, in line with most of Europe.
In short, be ready for an unpredictable, potentially volatile atmosphere during the Russian Victory Day parade. While Moscow has implement security measures to ensure safety, the precarious geopolitical climate surrounding the event leaves much uncertainty.
- Considering the ongoing Russia-Ukraine standoff, foreign officials planning to attend Moscow's Victory Day parade might face significant safety concerns, as stated by Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- Despite European politicians' hesitation to attend, Chinese President Xi Jinping will be present for the commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany.
- For Russia, Moscow's Victory Day parade is not just a victory celebration but also a symbol of power and propaganda under President Vladimir Putin, carrying increased significance since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.
- Besides diplomatic tensions and military concerns, the parade in Moscow may be threatened by potential security risks, as indicated by the interception of several drones approaching the city in the past few months.
