British intelligence explains cancellation of May 9 parades in Russia

Parades for 9 May have reportedly been cancelled in six Russian regions and 21 cities, as well as by the Crimean "authorities". In addition, the Immortal Regiment march and the Army International Games will not take place in Russia.

On 3 May, Russia reportedly said that drones "tried" to attack the Kremlin. Moscow blamed Ukraine.

The drone attack on the Kremlin a few days before Victory Day indicates Russia's increased vulnerability to such attacks and likely increased the Russian leadership's sense of danger in connection with the Victory Day celebrations, British intelligence said.

The intelligence believes that the cancellation of events for 9 May is likely to cause a wave of discontent over the war in Ukraine.

We shall remind you that on 8 May, Ukraine marks Memorial and Reconciliation Day in honour of all victims of the Second World War of 1939-1945.

Commemorating the end of World War II in Europe on 8 May (rather than 9 May) is a European tradition, which Ukraine joined in 2015.