Moscow is preparing a backup plan to hold the May 9 parade in a scaled-down format – without military equipment, with a possible full mobile network shutdown in the city, and alongside requests for a ceasefire.
According to reports by the VChK-OGPU project and the BBC, the Kremlin has not yet made a final decision on the format of the event on Red Square. Vladimir Putin has been informed of increased security risks, after which the issue has largely disappeared from public discussion.
Preparations are said to be unusual: no formal orders have been issued, and rehearsals have not taken place even at the usual Alabino training ground.
Meanwhile, some visible preparations are underway. Supports have been installed in underpasses on Tverskaya Street to handle the possible movement of heavy vehicles, and construction of banner structures has begun on Red Square.
According to the BBC, one scenario under consideration is to hold only a foot march, without involving cadets, citing security concerns.
The decision not to demonstrate the equipment is attributed to “operational requirements.”
Sources also note that strict restrictions on mobile communications may be introduced in Moscow on May 5, 7, and 9.
During a phone call with Donald Trump on April 29, Vladimir Putin proposed introducing a temporary ceasefire for the duration of the celebrations.
A similar initiative was announced last year: on April 28, a “ceasefire” was declared from midnight on May 8 to midnight on May 11.
However, despite this, hostilities did not stop. According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russian forces opened fire more than 700 times along the front line in just the first half of May 8.
Ukraine’s official position on the new proposal has not yet been made public, but sources close to the government say a response is being prepared.
