Moscow's Victory Day Parade Lacks Tanks and Hardware Amid Ukraine Drone Fears

This year's Victory Day parade in Moscow felt very different from past events, according to BBC correspondent Steve Rosenberg.

Rosenberg has attended many Victory Day parades on Red Square. In previous years, he had to sprint from the media bus parked near St. Basil's Cathedral to secure a spot in the press area. No running was needed this time. Far fewer journalists showed up, as many international media organizations were denied access.

Once in position, a Russian TV crew approached Rosenberg and filmed him. "Steve, you're proof that foreign media have been allowed in," the reporter said. "Not really," Rosenberg replied. "I can't see any others."

Rosenberg was glad to attend and witness the 2026 Victory Parade firsthand. Fewer guests filled the stands, and fewer world leaders traveled to Moscow for the event.

The biggest change appeared when the parade began. No tanks, rocket launchers or intercontinental ballistic missiles were on display—no military hardware of the kind the Kremlin usually features to project Russian power internationally.

Authorities scaled back the parade, citing security concerns that Ukraine might strike Red Square with drones. That explained the reduced number of guests and journalists. President Vladimir Putin likely resisted cutting a display meant to show Russian strength, but fears of a Ukrainian attack prompted the adjustment.

The parade proceeded without incident. No attack occurred. A last-minute ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv, arranged by Donald Trump, lowered the risk.

On Friday, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a decree "permitting" Russia to hold the parade. Moscow did not welcome the gesture. A Kremlin spokesman said Russia needed no one's permission for the Victory Parade.

The missing military hardware appeared on screens instead. Giant displays on Red Square showed multiple rocket launchers, fighter jets, tanks, submarines and other weapons. With no live parade possible, the Kremlin opted for video.

"We always were and always will be victorious!" Putin declared in his speech.

The Soviet Union won 81 years ago. Russia marks the 1945 Great Victory, when it repelled and defeated an aggressor.