British intelligence gives new reason for Russia's cancellation of May 9 parades

This was reported by the British Ministry of Defense on Twitter. 

British intelligence notes that six Russian regions, the temporarily occupied Crimea, and 21 cities have cancelled Victory Day parades on May 9 for security reasons. Victory Day celebrations in Moscow are likely to take place, but on a smaller scale. The reception with Russian President Vladimir Putin after the parade will not take place, the last time it was held in 2019.  

The traditional "Immortal Regiment" procession, during which photos of fallen World War II veterans are carried through the streets, has also been cancelled. 

"The timing of the UAV strike on the Kremlin a few days before Victory Day shows Russia’s increasing vulnerability to such attacks and has almost certainly raised the threat perception of the Russian leadership over the Victory Day events.The potential for protests and discontent over the Ukraine war are also likely to have influenced the calculus of the Russian leadership," the British intelligence concluded. 

• On April 22, British intelligence concluded that Russia cancelled the "Immortal Regiment" march on May 9 to avoid possible mentions of its heavy losses in the war against Ukraine.