Russia canceled May 9 parades in regions bordering Ukraine "for security reasons" - British intelligence

According to Ukrinform, the British Ministry of Defense tweeted this information, citing intelligence reports.

"Leaders of several Russian regions bordering Ukraine, as well as occupied Crimea, have announced that their usually high-profile 9 May Victory Day military parades will be cancelled," the defense ministry said.

At the same time, some Russian cities more distant from Ukraine have confirmed that they plan to celebrate Victory Day.

According to the ministry, the different approaches to May 9 emphasize a sensitive communications challenge for the Kremlin.

"Putin couches the "special military operation" in the spirit of the Soviet experience in World War Two. The message risks sitting increasingly uneasily with the many Russians who have immediate insights into the mismanaged and failing campaign in Ukraine. Honouring the fallen of previous generations could easily blur into exposing the scope of the recent losses, which the Kremlin attempts to cover up," the Defense Ministry said.

As Ukrinform reported, the occupation "authorities" of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol decided not to hold festive demonstrations on May 1, the march of the "Immortal Regiment" and the military parade on May 9.

Kursk also canceled the May 9 parade, following Belgorod.