Russia's Victory Day overshadowed by security concerns and muted celebrations.

Russia prepares for its annual Victory Day parade amid tight security after a series of drone attacks, including on the Kremlin citadel, that Moscow has blamed on Ukraine. Several Russian regions have already scaled back events, citing concerns that they could be targeted by pro-Ukrainian saboteurs. Putin often evokes the spirit and sacrifice that helped the Soviet Union defeat Nazi Germany in 1945 to kindle Russians' sense of patriotism, especially since launching what he calls a "special military operation" in Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022.