'Atmosphere closer to wartime': Moscow’s muted Victory Day reflects growing security fears

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'Atmosphere closer to wartime': Moscow’s muted Victory Day reflects growing security fears Europe

Issued on: 09/05/2026 - 15:22Modified: 09/05/2026 - 15:26

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Russia’s scaled-down Victory Day celebrations highlighted mounting security concerns and the strain of the war in Ukraine, according to Chatham House analyst Grégoire Roos. Speaking to FRANCE 24, Roos said tighter security, internet shutdowns and fears of Ukrainian drone strikes created an atmosphere “closer to wartime protection” than national triumph, even as President Vladimir Putin continues to retain broad public support.

Video by: FRANCE 24 Keywords for this article

• Russia
• Ukraine

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