August M
Authorities in the Russian city of Perm have cancelled this year’s Victory Day military parade following a series of Ukrainian drone strikes targeting energy infrastructure in the region.
The Kyiv Independent reported that officials cited security concerns after recent attacks reached deep inside Russian territory, more than 1,500 kilometres from the Ukrainian border.
Safety concerns
Perm Krai Governor Dmitry Makhonin announced on May 7 that the planned May 9 military parade would not go ahead.
“Following the results of the operational meeting, it was decided not to hold a parade of troops of the Perm garrison on May 9,” Makhonin said on Telegram.
“This was done to ensure the safety of residents and not to distract law enforcement agencies from carrying out tasks to protect their fellow citizens.”
Deep strikes continue
According to The Kyiv Independent, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian forces struck targets in Perm and other regions deep inside Russia during overnight operations earlier this week.
Zelensky described the attacks as “long-range sanctions” against Russia in response to repeated violations of proposed ceasefires ahead of Victory Day celebrations.
The report noted that Ukrainian drones had already targeted an oil pumping station in Perm on consecutive nights in late April.
Oil infrastructure targeted
The Perm facility is considered a major hub within Russia’s oil pipeline network.
According to The Kyiv Independent, the station is used for receiving, storing and transporting crude oil through the country’s main energy infrastructure system.
Ukraine has increasingly focused long-range drone attacks on Russian oil, fuel and logistics facilities far from the battlefield in an effort to weaken Moscow’s military and economic capabilities.
Scaled-back celebrations
Victory Day on May 9 traditionally marks the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany during World War II and is one of Russia’s largest patriotic events.
The Kyiv Independent reported that celebrations across Russia have been reduced this year as Ukrainian long-range strike capabilities continue expanding.
Russia had proposed a unilateral ceasefire for May 8-9, while Ukraine instead called for a broader truce beginning on May 6.
Zelensky later claimed Russia violated the proposed ceasefire more than 1,800 times within hours of it taking effect.
Sources: The Kyiv Independent, Telegram statements by Dmitry Makhonin and Volodymyr Zelensky.
