Russian Cities Cancel Victory Day Parades Amid Ukraine War Fears

At least 21 Russian cities have cancelled their annual military parades marking the Soviet victory in World War II due to security concerns, including alleged drone attacks on its territory ahead of a Ukrainian counteroffensive. Cities near Russia's border with Ukraine, which have faced repeated shelling and drone strikes, will not hold their Victory Day parades. The northwestern cities of Pskov and Velikiye Luki near the Estonian border cited “moral and ethical” reasons for calling off the celebrations. Moscow, St. Petersburg and nearby regions imposed no-fly zones this week amid a spate of alleged drone attacks which Russia said targeted the Kremlin as well as transport and energy infrastructure.