Putin Oversees Scaled-Down Victory Day Parade Amid Security Concerns
Russian President Vladimir Putin presided over a significantly scaled-down Victory Day parade in Moscow's Red Square, marking the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. This year's parade, traditionally a display of military might, was notably devoid of heavy military hardware such as tanks and missiles, a decision attributed to heightened security concerns and the threat of Ukrainian attacks. The event coincided with a U.S.-brokered three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, which included a large-scale prisoner exchange. Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high, with Russian authorities warning of potential missile strikes on Kyiv if Ukraine attempts to disrupt the festivities.