As reported by “Spiegel”, Russia telephoned to withdraw the magazine's accreditation for the parade. Other foreign media outlets were also called to convey the denial, including ARD, ZDF, Sky, news agency AFP, Italian broadcaster Rai and Japanese broadcaster NHK.
A Kremlin employee explained to Spiegel magazine that “the format of the parade coverage was changed due to the situation.” “Therefore, foreign media that have already received accreditation will no longer be admitted,” the journalists heard. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov even denies that the accreditations have been withdrawn. However, the number of journalists present at the parade will be limitedexplains.
Officially, the Russian government does not have to withdraw accreditation. Its own regulations give the Kremlin a free hand: the official website states that any application may ultimately not be approved or may be withdrawn. Thanks to this, Peskov does not even have to lie and claim that nothing has been “undone”. Foreign media remain outside anyway.
Russia feared Ukrainian attacks during the parade
Militarily, too, Moscow is clearly retreating this year. The Ministry of Defense announced that no military equipment will be presented during the May 9 parade due to the “current operational situation.” Typically, tanks, rocket launchers and heavy military equipment roll across Red Square on this day to demonstrate Russia's power. The number of viewers is also decreasing significantly.
Moscow apparently fears disruptions from Kiev. Russia unilaterally announced a ceasefire on May 8 and 9 in an attempt to stop possible attacks. However, today the promise was not kept: in the morning, sirens sounded in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev – rockets were flying from Russia. Putin's army did not even make a symbolic attempt to cease fire on the front, explains Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
