Low-key debut of Red Square parade: New highlights for the 2026 Victory Day celebration
The Victory Day Parade on Red Square in Moscow began on May 9, 2026
To commemorate the 81st anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, the Victory Day parade was held as scheduled on Red Square in Moscow. Traditionally, the parade officially starts at 10:00 a.m. Moscow time, but this year's arrangements have been adjusted due to the current military situation.
Grand opening with presidential address
The ceremony commenced with the entrance of the national flag and the Victory Banner. Prior to the marching units, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech.
The core segment of the event remained the solemn march of Russian military forces. However, this year, cadet contingents from the Suvorov Military School, the Nakhimov Naval School, and the Arms School did not participate in the review, nor were military equipment units present. Instead, servicemen who have participated in the special military operation marched past Red Square.
Aerial formations retained, aircraft draw national flag colors in sky
The aerial formations remain part of the parade plan. After the parade, Su-25 attack aircraft will fly over Moscow, leaving behind smoke trails in the colors of the Russian national flag.
Reduced invitations for foreign guests, yet multiple leaders attend in person
This year, Russia did not send out separate invitation letters to foreign guests for the Victory Day commemoration events. Nevertheless, several foreign dignitaries proactively expressed their desire to attend the Moscow parade, including: President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, Sultan Ibrahim of Malaysia, President Thongloun Sisoulith of Laos, President Badra Gumbat of Abkhazia, and President Alan Gagloev of South Ossetia.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864697420216320/
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