Russia widely canceling May 9 parades: List of regions
Photo: parade in Moscow (Getty Images)
Several regions in Russia have announced the cancellation of May 9 parades, as well as the introduction of additional restrictions on celebrations, according to the ASTRA Telegram channel.
Where parades were canceled
According to the published information, at least 15 regions of Russia have completely abandoned holding May 9 parades.
These include the Belgorod, Voronezh, Kursk, Bryansk, Rostov, Saratov, Ryazan, Kaluga, Oryol, Pskov, Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, and Leningrad regions, as well as Krasnodar Krai and Chuvashia.
Restrictions in major cities
In Russia’s capital, this year’s parade will take place without military equipment — something that has not happened since 2007. In St. Petersburg, the display of armored vehicles has also been canceled.
In a number of regions, additional restrictions have been introduced, including the cancellation of fireworks and disruptions to internet access during the events.
'Immortal Regiment' format
The "Immortal Regiment" march has been moved online in most Russian regions.
This approach has been used before, but is now becoming the main format for the event.
Reasons for the restrictions
Large-scale changes to the format of celebrations began in 2022 after the start of the full-scale war against Ukraine.
Before that, similar measures were only used during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What the data is based on
Information about the restrictions is based on statements by regional authorities and reports from official Russian media as of May 6, 2026.
Moscow plans to mark May 9 under strict restrictions. Internet disruptions are expected, along with possible shutdowns of ATMs and airport closures, which are being explained as security measures related to the parade.
Notably, the military parade in Moscow on May 9 will be held without the usual display of armored vehicles — only marching units of servicemen will be present on Red Square.
