Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Saturday, May 9, 2026, during celebrations of the 81st anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II.

Moscow's annual Victory Day parade drew a cool response from Russians this year, some of whom expressed frustration at internet outages and fatigue with the more-than-four-year Ukraine war.When asked

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to uphold a three-day ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump while Russia holds its annual Victory Day parade on Saturday, though the event was set to be scaled back over security fears.

On Victory Day, Putin led a scaled-down parade in Moscow without heavy weapons, emphasizing national pride amid heightened security and ongoing tensions with Ukraine.

The parade kicked off shortly after 10:00 am Moscow time with a formation of soldiers carrying the Russian flag into the square.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday voiced confidence of victory in Ukraine as he oversaw a military parade on Red Square commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.

Russian air defenses shot down 347 Ukrainian drones overnight, Russia’s Defense Ministry said Thursday, in what appeared to be a major attack after Moscow spurned Kyiv’s ceasefire earlier in the week and tension mounted over safety at Russia's upcoming Victory Day celebrations.

Ukraine conducted heavy overnight drone attacks on Russia, giving no indication that Kyiv is ready to observe Moscow’s self-declared ceasefire despite threats of retaliation if Victory Day celebrations on Red Square are disrupted.