Devendra Kumar
Russia has taken exceptional measures ahead of its annual Victory Day celebrations, which mark the defeat of Nazi Germany in the Second World War. In a rare move, at least 21 Russian cities have cancelled their traditional military parades, citing unspecified “security concerns” or “the current situation.” The decision comes as Russia’s 14-month war with Ukraine continues to rage, with reports of sporadic drone attacks and oil depots near the border being targeted.
The fears of a possible Ukrainian attack appear to be real, with authorities restricting the use of drones in major cities like Moscow and St Petersburg. In the Russian capital, car-sharing services have been temporarily banned from the city center as preparations are underway for the traditional Red Square parade. Initially, only one foreign leader was expected to attend the Moscow parade, but officials announced on Monday that several more leaders from Central Asia and Europe will join the festivities, including Uzbek, Tajik, Armenian, and Kazakh presidents.
The war in Ukraine is fuelling concerns about security, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky equating Russia’s goals in Ukraine to those of the Nazis. “Unfortunately, evil has returned,” Zelensky said on Telegram. “Although now it is another aggressor, the goal is the same – enslavement or destruction.” The European Union’s Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, is due to travel to Kyiv on Tuesday to mark Europe Day with Zelensky.
The measure taken by Russia is viewed as an attempt to maintain a semblance of normalcy amidst the ongoing conflict. However, the mood is far from celebratory, with many Russians expressing concerns about the economic hardships caused by the war and the losses suffered by their country. Despite the difficulties, the government is determined to continue with its Victory Day celebrations, a tradition that is deeply ingrained in Russian culture. This year’s celebrations will likely be marked by a greater sense of caution and security measures, reflecting the tense atmosphere that pervades relations between Russia and Ukraine.