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Putin denounces NATO at scaled-back Victory Day parade
President Vladimir Putin used his Victory Day address in Moscow to defend Russia's war in Ukraine and denounce NATO, as the parade was scaled back and security tightened. Foreign leaders attended in smaller numbers, a three-day ceasefire appeared to hold, and parades were held in other Russian cities while some events were canceled or went virtual.
Why It Matters
The speech frames Russia's narrative on the Ukraine conflict and NATO, while the scaled-back parade signals security concerns and wartime realities shaping public displays.
Timeline
14 Events
Victory Day parade highlights Russia's 'kubinka diamond' formation; NATO receives warning
May 9, 2026
In the Victory Day parade described by the report, the 'kubinka diamond' formation is singled out as a standout element. The article also notes that NATO received a warning in connection with the display.
Russia accuses Ukraine of breaking the ceasefire after parade
May 9, 2026
Following the parade, Russia's defence ministry accused Ukraine of breaking the ceasefire, without providing details; Kyiv did not immediately comment.
Ceasefire appears to hold during parade
May 9, 2026
The three-day ceasefire appeared to hold as the Moscow parade proceeded.
Victory Day parades in other Russian cities
May 9, 2026
Parades took place in Vladivostok, Krasnoyarsk, and St. Petersburg, with some parades canceled or held virtually.
Putin lays flowers at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; Kremlin reception
May 9, 2026
After the ceremony, Putin laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and attended a reception at the Kremlin.
TV broadcast shows soldiers on front lines
May 9, 2026
State television aired footage showing soldiers on the front lines after Putin's speech.
Slovak PM Robert Fico meets Putin ahead of parade
May 9, 2026
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, the EU's sole representative at the event, was pictured meeting Putin at the Kremlin before the parade.
Foreign guests attend the parade
May 9, 2026
Belarus's Alexander Lukashenko, Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim and Uzbekistan's Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended the ceremony.
Putin delivers Victory Day speech denouncing NATO
May 9, 2026
In his address, Putin defended Russia's war in Ukraine, described Ukraine as an aggressive force armed and supported by NATO, and framed the conflict as a 'just' war.
Victory Day parade in Moscow with scaled-back displays
May 9, 2026
The Moscow Victory Day parade occurred with tightened security and no armored vehicles or ballistic missiles on display, while hundreds of troops marched along Red Square.
Putin announces ceasefire for May 8-9
May 8, 2026
President Vladimir Putin announced a ceasefire for May 8-9 as part of efforts around Victory Day.
Trump announces three-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire
May 8, 2026
US President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the run-up to Victory Day celebrations.
Kyiv calls for indefinite truce starting May 6
May 6, 2026
Kyiv had called for an indefinite truce starting May 6 as part of ongoing talks ahead of Victory Day celebrations.
Parade scaled back due to current operational situation
May 2, 2026
Officials announced last week that Moscow's Victory Day parade would be scaled back amid the 'current operational situation', with tightened security and no armored vehicles or ballistic missiles expected to be displayed.