Russia scales back Moscow Victory Day parade, blaming threat from Ukraine

Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the Kyiv regime, which is losing ground on the battlefield, has launched into full-scale terrorist activity; he said that all measures are being taken to minimise the danger, and that the parade would still be held on Red Square.

Clouds of smoke were visible near the city of Perm after what Ukrainian officials said was a drone strike on an oil pumping station; the local governor described it as an industrial facility.

The defence ministry announced that the Victory Day parade would be scaled back due to a 'terrorist threat' from Ukraine. Cadets from Suvorov and Nakhimov schools and a column of military equipment would not participate, but representatives of all branches of the armed forces and a fly-past would be included; footage would be shown on national television, and the parade would still take place on Red Square.

Ukrainian officials said a major Russian oil refinery in Tuapse was hit for the third time this month.

First reports that this year's Victory Day parade would be scaled back emerged on social media earlier this month, with pro-Kremlin bloggers noting there had been none of the usual rehearsals.