Russia's Victory Day dilemma: Parade pomp versus frontline peril

In Russia, final preparations are being made for the annual Victory Day celebrations, set to take place on May 9. Vladimir Putin's army currently holds the initiative on the front, yet they now face challenging days as it has been decided that their tanks are to be withdrawn. A soldier has openly criticised the authorities.

For several weeks, preparations have been ongoing for military parades that will be held across numerous Russian cities to mark Victory Day. On May 9, Russians can witness military hardware on their streets.

We were ordered by our command to send our heavy equipment to the victory celebrations, for the parade. Meanwhile, we're here risking our lives, and our comrades are dying in these fields. It's outrageous, they decide to take our equipment for Victory Day celebrations. None of you have experienced the front line, not even once - the disgruntled soldier said.

Melnyk assessed that for the Russians, taking full control of Donetsk region is a priority. The Luhansk region is almost entirely under their control, but Donetsk presents a different challenge. Achieving this could be their aim in the coming months.

Moscow is not just preparing for the parade but is also enhancing the security of the Russian capital. Anton Herashchenko, an advisor to the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs, stated that Russia plans to bolster its air defences over Moscow on May 9, including drone jamming capabilities.

Police have been instructed to search all residential buildings close to where people gather for the celebration.