Hundreds of air defense systems, anti-drone nets and internet restrictions: how Moscow is “preparing” for the May 9 parade

Moscow has tightened security measures ahead of the May 9 celebrations, deploying about 280 air defense systems and installing anti-drone nets on Red Square. Russian authorities are also planning to restrict mobile communications, the Internet, and text messaging services within the Moscow Ring Road.

This was reported by the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine.

According to the SZRU, preparations for the parade in the Russian capital are taking place “in a mode more similar to a military lockdown than a celebration.” Similar restrictions are also expected in Volgograd.

The message states that within the Moscow Ring Road they plan to disconnect:

• mobile internet;
• mobile communication;
• SMS message;
• services from the so-called “white lists”.

At the same time, journalist Andrey Tsaplienko reported that about 280 air defense systems were transferred to Moscow, some of which were delivered from Kazan and Grozny. According to him, the defense system of the Russian capital is built in several echelons.

The first echelon is responsible for detecting targets. For this purpose, the Don-2N radar station, as well as the Nebo-M, Gamma-S1, and Kasta mobile radars are used.

The second echelon is designed to intercept strategic threats.

The third level of defense consists of S-400 systems, which cover the approaches to Moscow at a distance of up to 400 kilometers.

The fourth echelon is provided by the Pantsir-S1 and Tor-M2 close combat systems, which, according to the journalist, are deployed not only in the Moscow region, but also directly in Moscow on the roofs of buildings and mobile platforms.

Serhiy Sternenko, an advisor to the Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, also published photos of air defense systems and anti-drone nets that he said were installed on Red Square. However, the authenticity of these photos cannot be independently confirmed.

In Moscow, they are putting up nets on Red Square and tightening air defenses. pic.twitter.com/WR0MixehEB

— Serhii Sternenko (@sternenko) May 3, 2026

The SZRU also reports that the Russian Defense Ministry has decided to hold a parade on Red Square without a column of military equipment for the first time since 2007 due to the “terrorist threat.” The truncated format of the parade was also confirmed in Tomsk and Krasnodar.

According to intelligence information, if equipment does appear at individual events, it will mostly be fire trucks or ambulances.

Some changes also affected St. Petersburg. There, instead of World War II veterans, “heroes of their own” were invited to the parade, and the number of spectators was reduced to one grandstand for about 300 people.

Against this background, the SZRU also drew attention to the reduction in the number of foreign guests who have confirmed their participation in the events in Moscow. According to intelligence, this year the following are planning to arrive at the parade:

• President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko;
• President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev;
• President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov;
• Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico.

The SZRU recalled that in 2025, representatives of 27 states came to Moscow on May 9, including the leaders of China, Venezuela, Cuba, and partially recognized Palestine.

Recall that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has declared his readiness to declare a ceasefire by May 9. This was reported by propaganda media with reference to Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov after Putin’s telephone conversation with Donald Trump. Official details regarding the format of such a ceasefire, its duration, or possible conditions have not yet been announced in the Kremlin.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky instructed his representatives to contact the team of White House Chief of Staff Donald Trump to clarify the details of the Russian proposal for a “truce” on May 9. According to the head of state, Ukraine’s proposal is to cease fire for a long time, guarantee reliable security for people and long-term peace.

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