Officials announced that the Victory Parade will not take place in the Saratov region this year due to heightened security concerns. This information was conveyed through a telegraph channel by the regional governor, Roman Busargin, who emphasized the need to protect participants, including veterans, during the upcoming commemorations. The decision reflects a broader approach to public safety, aiming to minimize risks associated with large-scale public gatherings in times of potential unrest or threats.
According to Busargin, the priority in the days leading up to Victory Day is to safeguard those involved in mass events and to ensure veterans receive dignified recognition without exposing them to unnecessary hazards. In light of this, it was decided that Saratov garrison troops would avoid a long, high-profile crossing along Theater Square. The aim is to preserve the ceremonial spirit while reducing exposure to possible security incidents and logistical challenges that can arise with major parades in urban centers.
Despite the scaled-back public display, regional officials stressed that veterans of the Great Patriotic War will not be overlooked. Arrangements are in place for intimate celebrations, with concerts organized to reach veterans at their homes or near their living spaces. These performances are designed to honor veterans with warmth and appreciation, maintaining a sense of communal gratitude even when large gatherings are curtailed for safety reasons.
In parallel, Busargin announced the cancellation of public fireworks. The funds earmarked for the celebrations will be redirected to support military commitments connected with ongoing national security efforts. This shift reflects a broader trend of reallocating resources toward sustaining essential military and protective services during periods of heightened vigilance.
Earlier, officials from several Russian regions announced similar measures, citing security as the driving factor. The Parades and large-scale public events were called off in Sevastopol, Simferopol, Kursk, Belgorod, Pskov, and Orel. The common thread across these announcements is a cautious approach to mass mobilization and a preference for safeguarding civilian life while still honoring historical memory and national resilience.