Before 9 May, security measures are stepped up in Moscow for fear of an unprecedented attack from Ukraine. The Kremlin is concentrating air defence assets, restricting mobile internet and allowing private security guards to use military weapons. Even the State Duma admits that the parade on Red Square has become a dangerous event.
Moscow is preparing for a drone attack
On the eve of 9 May, the Russian authorities are putting a «ring of fear» around Moscow. The reason for this is the panicked fear of a possible Ukrainian drone attack, which neither Moscow nor the rest of Russia has ever seen before. For the first time, even the Russian capital is considered vulnerable, and the level of anxiety among the leadership is growing. BILD notes, that despite the risks, Vladimir Putin is not cancelling the parade on Red Square.
In Moscow and St. Petersburg, the authorities plan to completely disable mobile internet during celebrations. This should make it more difficult for drones to navigate, which could be used for attacks or even assassination attempts. For the first time, the State Duma publicly calls the parade a «dangerous event», and drones are seen not only as an aerial threat but also as a potential coup tool.
New air defence ring and concentration of resources
The Kremlin is strengthening the defence of the capital by forming a new air defence ring around Moscow. In 2025 alone, about 43 special towers with air defence systems were built. Defence systems are being removed from other regions of Russia to protect Moscow as much as possible.
Such actions indicate a lack of resources in the Russian army. Authorities are forced to concentrate defence in the capital, leaving other regions less secure. This could affect the country's defence capability as a whole, as well as create additional risks for infrastructure outside Moscow.
Additional security measures and the role of private security guards
Except for the official security forces, Putin Allowed private security companies to use military weapons to protect critical infrastructure. This decision was made amid a growing threat from drones that can be used for targeted attacks.
The involvement of private security guards in the defence of the capital shows the extent of the Kremlin's anxiety. The authorities are trying to block all possible avenues for drone infiltration and minimise the risks to the parade. However, such steps could lead to increased tension among the population and a growing atmosphere of mistrust.
Why it matters
Strengthening Moscow's security before 9 May demonstrates an unprecedented level of fear among the Russian leadership of attacks from Ukraine. For the first time in many years, even the Russian capital is not considered safe, and the parade on Red Square is in doubt.
The concentration of air defence systems and restrictions on mobile internet indicate the real threats the Kremlin faces. This could affect not only the celebrations, but also the overall situation in Russia, undermining trust in the government and creating new security challenges.
The decision to engage private security guards and allow them to carry military weapons is a desperate attempt to maintain control of the situation. Such moves could have long-term consequences for the country's stability and increase internal tensions in Russian society.
