The declaration issued by President Volodymyr Zelensky on May 8 made a good case for the election of comedians to higher office:
I hereby decree:
1. To authorize the holding of a parade in Moscow (Russian Federation) on May 9, 2026.
For the duration of the parade (beginning at 10:00 a.m. Kyiv time on May 9, 2026), the area of Red Square shall be excluded from the plan for the use of Ukrainian weapons.
Humor is an underrated weapon in the arsenal against fascism. Zelensky, former professional
Based on the observation that air defense over central Moscow was increased leading up to the parade I somewhat doubt Ukraine would have been able to put a long range strike drone over the parade. Also with less coverage over other parts of Russia due to the diversions it would probably be better to send them elsewhere anyway. The alternative: risking Ukrainian intelligence assets to sneak in close range FPV drones feels like a waste. Ukraine probably could have got something in it just feels like it wouldn’t be worth it.
The parade permit made Putin look helpless without actually needing to risk anything better used on strategic targets.
Based on the observation that air defense over central Moscow was increased leading up to the parade I somewhat doubt Ukraine would have been able to put a long range strike drone over the parade. Also with less coverage over other parts of Russia due to the diversions it would probably be better to send them elsewhere anyway. The alternative: risking Ukrainian intelligence assets to sneak in close range FPV drones feels like a waste. Ukraine probably could have got something in it just feels like it wouldn’t be worth it.
The parade permit made Putin look helpless without actually needing to risk anything better used on strategic targets.
The increased air defense has already been penetrated by Ukrainian drone attacks.