On Tuesday, Moscow witnessed the shutdown of its airports and a temporary suspension of mobile internet access for many users, as the Kremlin intensified security measures ahead of the 9 May Victory Day parade, which commemorates the defeat of Nazi Germany.
Parade Scaled Back Amid Drone Threats
Russia's most significant national celebration has been reduced in scope this year, proceeding without heavy military hardware for the first time in nearly two decades. This decision stems from concerns over long-range Ukrainian drone strikes, as Ukraine has recently demonstrated its capability to breach Moscow's dense air defence systems. On Monday morning, a drone struck a high-rise apartment building just a few miles from the Kremlin.
In an apparent effort to safeguard the parade, Moscow declared a unilateral ceasefire with Ukraine for 8-9 May earlier this month, warning of a "massive missile strike" on central Kyiv if violated. Ukraine dismissed this proposal as a cynical ploy to protect the parade from drone attacks. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded by announcing a separate truce starting 6 May, stating it was "not serious" to expect Kyiv to observe a ceasefire tied to a Russian military holiday. Speaking during a visit to Armenia, Zelenskyy remarked that Moscow feared "drones may buzz over Red Square."
Visible Security Enhancements
Security in the Russian capital has been visibly tightened in the lead-up to the parade. Checkpoints have been established across the city, and snipers and machine-gun crews have been deployed on Kremlin towers. Residents woke on Tuesday to disrupted mobile signals across Moscow, which particularly affected workers. Taxi drivers reported being unable to receive fares, and delivery couriers had to knock on customers' doors and request home wifi access just to mark orders as complete. By midday, mobile access appeared largely restored. Additionally, all four of Moscow's airports suspended operations on Tuesday due to unspecified security concerns.
Russian officials have previously justified such shutdowns as necessary to protect the capital from drone attacks and acts of sabotage, though this measure has proven deeply unpopular and has dented President Vladimir Putin's approval ratings in recent weeks.
Increased Protection for Putin
Alongside the heightened security presence on Moscow's streets, Russia has also stepped up personal protection for Vladimir Putin in recent months, according to a European intelligence report cited by the outlet iStories. Russia's Federal Protective Service (FSO), responsible for guarding senior officials, has significantly tightened security around the president. He is reportedly spending more time in underground bunkers, closely managing the war effort, and has become increasingly removed from civilian life. The report added that cooks, bodyguards, and photographers who work with the president are also banned from travelling on public transport, amid fears in the Kremlin of a possible assassination attempt.
