With fewer company, fewer reporters, and no army {hardware} on show, Moscow’s Victory Day parade was a a lot quieter affair than traditional on Saturday.
The annual showcase of army would possibly was scaled again as a result of safety considerations, with Russian authorities fearing Ukrainian forces may goal Pink Sq. with a drone strike.
A final-minute ceasefire, brokered by US President Donald Trump, noticed Kyiv agree to not assault the parade.
However the smaller show, with not one of the traditional tanks or ballistic missiles, is a reminder that Russia’s warfare on Ukraine is probably not going to plan.
The BBC’s Russia editor Steve Rosenberg was one of many few overseas journalists allowed to attend this 12 months.