Steve Rosenberg: This year’s Victory Day parade in Moscow felt very different
Steve Rosenberg: This Year’s Victory Day Parade in Moscow Felt Very Different
Steve Rosenberg – For years, I’ve observed the annual Victory Day parades on Red Square, a tradition that symbolizes Russia’s triumph over Nazi Germany in 1945. However, the 2026 event stood out as an anomaly, with a distinct shift in atmosphere and scale. Unlike previous years, where the spectacle was grandiose and the crowd thronged, this year’s parade carried a subdued tone, reflecting the tensions of the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
One of the most noticeable differences was the absence of the usual rush. In past years, I would sprint from the media bus parked near St Basil’s Cathedral to secure a spot in the press area alongside the square. This time, the need for speed was gone. The number of journalists was significantly lower, and many international outlets had been excluded. The Kremlin’s decision to limit access underscored a broader strategy to control the narrative, as the event’s significance had evolved beyond its historical roots.
Once positioned on the square, the contrast became apparent. A Russian TV crew approached, eager to capture footage. “Steve, you’re proof that foreign media have been allowed in,” the reporter remarked, radiating optimism. I responded with a dry smile. “Not really,” I said. “I can’t see any others.” The sentiment was shared by others present; the stands, too, were sparser, with fewer dignitaries and spectators than usual. Even the global leaders who typically attend were noticeably absent, a sign of the event’s altered priorities.
The Absence of Military Spectacle
The parade itself was a departure from the norm. Traditionally, Victory Day showcases Russia’s military might, featuring tanks, rocket launchers, and intercontinental ballistic missiles as visual reminders of power. This year, however, those iconic displays were missing. The Kremlin had opted for a scaled-down version, choosing to prioritize safety over grandeur. Security concerns, particularly the fear of Ukrainian drones targeting the square, led to this adjustment. The absence of heavy weaponry was stark, and it sent a subtle message about the current state of Russia’s military campaigns.
Despite the logistical constraints, the parade proceeded without major disruptions. President Vladimir Putin, standing at the forefront, delivered a speech that echoed the Soviet Union’s legacy. “We always were and always will be victorious!” he declared, a phrase that resonated deeply with the nation’s collective memory. Yet, the context of his words had shifted. While the Soviet Union celebrated a decisive victory in 1945, Russia’s current conflict with Ukraine has not yielded such clear triumphs. The lack of tangible military hardware on display added a layer of irony to the ceremony, highlighting the tension between historical symbolism and present-day realities.
Security and Strategy in the Shadow of War
The decision to reduce the parade’s scale was not made lightly. Officials cited security threats as the primary reason, with fears that Ukraine might strike Red Square during the event. This precaution, however, also reflected a strategic calculation. President Putin, who has long relied on the parade to project strength, had to balance visibility with vulnerability. The absence of tanks and missiles in the procession suggested a compromise between showcasing power and ensuring safety, a theme that lingered throughout the day.
The impact of this change was evident in the reduced number of attendees. The stands, once filled with foreign diplomats and global leaders, were now more subdued. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, though not present, had issued a decree “permitting” the parade, a gesture that was met with mixed reactions. A Kremlin spokesman dismissed the move as symbolic, stating that Russia required no permission to honor its historical victory. The gesture, while diplomatic, was interpreted by some as a subtle acknowledgment of the war’s ongoing nature and the shifting dynamics of international relations.
Yet, the Kremlin found a way to maintain its presence. Instead of showcasing the hardware on the square, it projected it onto giant screens. Multiple rocket launchers, fighter jets, tanks, submarines, and other weapons were displayed in a virtual parade, a creative solution to the logistical challenges posed by security measures. This hybrid approach allowed the event to retain its ceremonial essence while accommodating the new constraints. The screens became a focal point, drawing attention to the military assets that were otherwise absent from the physical procession.
The Broader Implications of a Changed Ceremony
The 2026 parade served as a microcosm of Russia’s evolving position in the global arena. While it celebrated the 81-year-old victory of 1945, the event also highlighted the complexities of the Ukraine war. Unlike the Soviet era, where the conflict was a clear, defined struggle against a foreign aggressor, the current war has become a prolonged, multifaceted campaign. The lack of visible military achievements this year raised questions about the possibility of a swift resolution, with no signs of a decisive victory emerging.
Despite the cautious approach, the parade concluded successfully. A last-minute ceasefire, brokered by Donald Trump, had eased tensions and reduced the risk of an attack. However, this temporary truce did little to alter the long-term trajectory of the war. The symbolism of the event remained intact, but its message had changed. Where once it represented unshakable strength, it now served as a reminder of the sacrifices and challenges that define the present.
For Steve Rosenberg, the experience was both a testament to the parade’s enduring importance and a reflection of its modern contradictions. The absence of the usual crowd and military hardware underscored how far the event had come from its origins. Yet, the presence of the screens and Putin’s speech reaffirmed the Kremlin’s determination to maintain its narrative. The parade was not just a celebration of past victories—it was also a strategic tool, adapted to the demands of the present.
As the procession ended, the square was quiet. The absence of the usual clamor and spectacle left a lingering sense of reflection. Victory Day, once a time of unambiguous triumph, now felt more like a pause in a continuous struggle. The Kremlin’s decision to scale back the parade was a calculated move, blending tradition with pragmatism. And while the event may have lacked the full military display, it still served its purpose: to remind the world—and the Russian people—of the nation’s resilience and its unyielding pursuit of victory, even in uncertain times.
In the end, the 2026 parade was a fitting symbol of the current era. It celebrated a historical victory, yet it also acknowledged the war’s unresolved nature. The screens, the sparse crowd, and the absence of live military hardware all pointed to a Russia that is both nostalgic for its past and navigating the complexities of its present. As the square emptied and the sun set, the message was clear: the spirit of victory endures, but its expression has changed. The parade may have been smaller, but its significance was undiminished, a reminder that even in times of challenge, the nation continues to march forward.