Celebratory marches are not planned in multiple urban areas.
Changing Times for Victory Day Celebrations
On May 9th, Moscow will host its Victory Day parade, but many regions across Russia are skipping the celebration this year due to heightened security concerns. Here's a breakdown of the regions calling off the rituals and the reasons behind their decisions.
Crimea's Skipped Celebration
Crimean authorities have opted not to hold mass events on May 9th, citing the persistent terrorist threat and the ongoing special military operation.
Cancellations in Key Cities
Kerch and Sevastopol, major cities in Crimea, have also scrapped the parade plans. The governor of Krasnodar Krai, Veniamin Kondratyev, pointed out the significant risk of drone threats, leading to the cancellation in his region.
Life, a regional outlet, made the decision to bypass the parade in the Stavropol Krai following a poll among residents. Despite a nearly even split in opinions, more than half of the participants voted against holding the fireworks this year.
Regions Prioritizing Security
In DNR, LNR, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions, parades will not take place due to the military situation. The authorities in these new territories are focusing on security concerns to ensure the safety of participants.
Russia's Past Cancellations
In 2024, Russia also opted out of hosting Victory Day parades in several regions, including Belgorod, Kursk, Bryansk, and Rяzan, as well as in Crimea.
Gagauzia's Unique Stance
In an unusual move, Gagauzia refused to celebrate Europe Day instead of Victory Day on May 9th. To keep updated on this story, follow RБК in Telegram.
In sum, numerous regions in Russia have made the difficult decision to cancel their Victory Day celebrations in recent years due to growing security concerns related to potential drone and missile attacks, especially amid the prolonged conflict with Ukraine. However, Moscow continues to hold its traditional parade with stringent safety measures in place.
- Crimean authorities have decided to forego mass events on May 9th due to the persistent terrorist threat and the ongoing special military operation.
- The governor of Krasnodar Krai, Veniamin Kondratyev, announced the cancellation of parade plans in his region due to the significant risk of drone threats.
- In DNR, LNR, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia regions, and several others, parades have been canceled this year due to the military situation, with authorities prioritizing security concerns for the safety of participants.
- Russia has previously opted out of hosting Victory Day parades in several regions, including instances like Belgorod, Kursk, Bryansk, and Rяzan, as well as in Crimea, due to increasing security risks.
