In Belgorod, the city’s leadership has decided to pause the usual public commemorations for Victory Day. The decision came through a statement by the mayor, Valentin Demidov, who explained via a public telegraph channel that safety considerations prompted the cancellation of mass events scheduled for May 9. The plan to gather and celebrate with crowds has been put on hold as authorities assess the evolving security landscape around the border region.
Demidov emphasized that recent incidents near border areas have underscored the importance of avoiding risky configurations during a time that historically draws large crowds. He urged residents to acknowledge the significance of Victory Day while agreeing that certain moments of festivity must wait until conditions allow for safe gatherings. The aim is to protect both residents and visitors while maintaining the dignity of the commemoration and honoring the memory of veterans and those who served in the Great Patriotic War.
According to the mayor, the events originally planned for May 9 will proceed only when the situation permits and public safety can be guaranteed. This means a restrained approach to ceremonies, with the focus shifting toward safer forms of tribute, such as observing moments of remembrance and expressing gratitude to veterans within controlled settings. The city intends to adapt its program to ensure that the remembrance remains meaningful while minimizing potential risks to participants and bystanders alike.
As part of the updated plan, authorities indicated that the usual public displays would be limited. In the interim, residents will still have opportunities to honor the day by laying flowers at monuments that commemorate the Great Patriotic War and by extending their congratulations to veterans. This approach preserves the ceremonial essence while avoiding large-scale gatherings until a clearer assessment of security conditions is available. The leadership noted that a gradual lifting of certain restrictions is possible, but any changes will be made with careful consideration of current threats and protective measures in place for the community.
Alongside the temporary pause in larger ceremonies, a related measure affecting traffic in adjacent streets has been adjusted. The previously announced restriction on car movement will be withdrawn after the Wave of Memory activities have concluded, and the ceremonies at the monuments have been performed at roughly 11:00 in the morning. This step helps to restore a sense of routine for residents while still prioritizing safety during the commemorative period.
Echoing the regional stance, former Rostov region leadership indicated that the May 9 military parade in Novocherkassk will not take place as part of the city’s Victory Day program. Instead, the parade is slated to be held only in Rostov-on-Don, reflecting a broader pattern of scaling back public demonstrations in certain municipalities. This decision aligns with a cautious approach to public order in the wake of recent border-related events and ongoing security assessments across the area. Officials stressed that the safety of communities remains the top priority, even as the day’s traditions and symbols continue to be honored in ways that accommodate current conditions.
Observers note that such measures have become common in border regions where authorities balance the desire to observe historic anniversaries with the responsibility to protect public life. By adapting plans and emphasizing safe, respectful expressions of memory, city leaders aim to preserve the essence of Victory Day while addressing practical realities. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and to participate in sanctioned, low-risk commemorations that reflect the solemn spirit of the occasion without exposing participants to unnecessary danger.