Moscow Holds May 9 Celebrations Under Heightened Security

Moscow held a Victory Day parade on a smaller scale than usual amid heightened security measures, according to PBS.

The traditional May 9 celebration in the Russian capital took place with a heightened security presence. The event was scaled back compared to previous years.

The decision on the scale of the parade reflects the current geopolitical situation, as Russian authorities recalibrate the staging of large public gatherings. The parade remains one of Russia's principal state ceremonies, marking the end of the Great Patriotic War.

Similar changes to the format of traditional events have previously been observed in other countries in the region during periods of heightened foreign-policy tension.