Russia implemented sweeping security measures in Moscow ahead of the 9 May Victory Day parade, including suspending operations at all four of the city’s major airports and cutting mobile internet access for many residents. The moves are aimed at countering the growing threat of long-range Ukrainian drone attacks, which recently struck a high-rise building near the Kremlin. This year’s parade will notably exclude heavy military hardware for the first time in nearly two decades, reflecting heightened vulnerability despite Russia’s air defenses.

In a bid to de-escalate, Moscow declared a unilateral ceasefire with Ukraine from 8 to 9 May, warning of a massive retaliation if violated. Ukraine dismissed the gesture as self-serving and instead announced its own ceasefire starting 6 May, framing it as a genuine peace gesture not tied to Russian symbolism. Ukrainian officials emphasized their proposal was about saving lives, not honoring a military holiday.

Security across Moscow has been visibly intensified, with checkpoints, snipers on Kremlin towers, and armored vehicles patrolling the streets. The Federal Protective Service has also increased personal protection for President Vladimir Putin, reportedly keeping him in underground bunkers and restricting staff from public transport due to assassination fears. Meanwhile, the Russian Orthodox Church downplayed the internet outages, urging citizens to reflect spiritually during the disruptions.