Moscow, Russia: Russian President Vladimir Putin used his Victory Day address on May 9, 2026, to defend Russia’s military operation in Ukraine. He called Ukraine an “aggressive force” armed and supported by NATO.
Speaking at a scaled-back parade in Red Square, Putin said the Soviet victory in World War II inspires soldiers today. “The great feat of the generation of victors inspires the soldiers carrying out the goals of the special military operation,” he said.
For the first time in years, the parade featured no tanks or ballistic missiles. Thousands of troops marched under heightened security. Russian officials cited the “current operational situation” and threats from Ukrainian drones as reasons for scaling back the event.
Russian President Putin’s speech at Victory Day parade in Moscow today — May 9, 2026.
Russia destroyed 70-80% of Hitler’s army. And millions of Russians died in WW2. Quite tragic and victorious at the same time. pic.twitter.com/tOjCrcyp9W
— S.L. Kanthan (@Kanthan2030) May 9, 2026Foreign leaders attending included Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim, and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, the only EU representative. Putin laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and later attended a Kremlin reception.
The parade coincided with a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. The truce, from May 9–11, included a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange. Russia’s Defence Ministry later accused Ukraine of breaking the ceasefire, while both sides continue to claim violations.
Celebrations elsewhere in Russia were muted. Parades in several cities, including Vladivostok, Krasnoyarsk, and St. Petersburg, were smaller or cancelled due to security concerns. Some virtual events were held, but were affected by internet outages.
