End of World War II: Military parade in degraded mode in Russia

MOSCOW, May 9 (Reuters) – Russia held its most modest Victory Day parade in years on Saturday, due to the threat of an attack from Ukraine, where the Russian army has been embroiled for over four years.

The military parade on May 9 in Moscow is a highlight in Russia – a time to celebrate the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany and to honor the 27 million Soviets, many of them Ukrainians, who died in the conflict.

Once used to showcase Russian power, including its intercontinental ballistic missiles with nuclear capability, this year’s parade saw no tanks or other military equipment parade through Red Square. Only images of submarines, fighter jets, missiles, and drones were projected on giant screens.

Soldiers and sailors, some of whom had served in Ukraine, marched and cheered for President Vladimir Putin alongside Russian veterans at the foot of Vladimir Lenin’s mausoleum.

Fighter jets then flew over the Kremlin, as Vladimir Putin said in a brief eight-minute speech that the war in Ukraine – becoming less popular in Russia – was a “just cause,”

“The feat of the victorious generation inspires the soldiers leading today’s special military operations,” he declared. “They face aggressive force armed and supported by the entire NATO bloc. And despite this, our heroes continue to advance.”

The Russian president then laid flowers on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

After Russia and Ukraine accused each other of violating unilateral ceasefires they had declared in recent days to commemorate the end of World War II, Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire, from Saturday to Monday, accepted by Moscow and Kyiv. The two parties also agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners.

The American president expressed hope that it would be possible to extend the ceasefire. Ukraine is in favor of such an initiative, but Russia has so far opposed it, demanding a capitulation from Kyiv beforehand.

No violations of the ceasefire that came into effect on Saturday have been reported so far.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky assured that Kyiv, which has been carrying out drone strikes in Russia up to 1,500 km from its border, would not target the parade in Moscow.

Context: Victory Day is one of the most important holidays in Russia, commemorating the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Fact Check: It’s crucial to note that the information in the article regards recent political events in Russia and Ukraine, including conflicts and international relations.