UK intelligence analyzes why Russia cancels Immortal Regiment for May 9

The UK Ministry of Defence reported the information.

It noted that Russia has canceled the "Immortal Regiment" marches, instead suggesting that portraits of deceased relatives be displayed on cars and in public places from May 1 to May 11.

Additionally, parades scheduled for May 9 in five regions of Russia—Bryansk, Pskov, Belgorod, Ryazan, and Kursk—have been cancelled, reportedly due to concerns over potential attacks by Ukrainian drones. This decision comes in the wake of an incident last year, a week before May 9, where an unidentified drone detonated over the Kremlin, leading Russia to attribute blame to Ukraine.

“This is the second year in a row that the Immortal Regiment March has been cancelled and Victory parades curtailed on security grounds. This year, President Putin’s inauguration precedes Victory Day, taking place on May 7. The potential for protests and discontent over the Ukraine war are also likely to have influenced the calculus of the Russian leadership,” the British agency suggests. 

• Russia also cancelled May 9 celebrations in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, as local residents, outraged by forced mobilization and other factors, may protest.