A Quieter Victory Day in St. Petersburg Hints at the Strains of Russia’s Long War

St. Petersburg marked the 81st anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany on May 9, 2026, with unusual restraint and unprecedented security measures. While the holiday remains a central state event under President Vladimir Putin, the celebrations in Russia’s second-largest city were characterized by a scaled-down military parade and a heavy police presence.

On the morning of May 9, 2026, Nevsky Prospekt, the city’s primary thoroughfare, was unusually quiet. Streets were cordoned off, and police officers appeared to outnumber civilians in the area.

Protest and Police Response

Amid the celebrations, Lyudmila Vasilyeva, an 85-year-old survivor of the famine and siege that devastated the city during World War II, staged a solo protest. Vasilyeva, who is among the few residents of St. Petersburg who still openly oppose Russia’s war in Ukraine, held her protest near the Solovetsky Stone, a monument dedicated to the victims of Stalinist repression.

Vasilyeva carried a placard that appealed to the authorities, stating, Do not use the people’s Victory to cover up your crimes.

Police arrested Vasilyeva shortly after the protest began. However, she was later released without charges. Authorities provided little explanation for the decision, other than indicating that the police had granted her an unofficial reprieve for the holiday.

The decision to release Vasilyeva followed a period of high tension. Persecuting a living witness to the Siege of Leningrad on Victory Day was viewed as a risk that could trigger public outrage.

Vasilyeva has a history of political activism and had previously been fined for discrediting the army. Under Russian law, this offense can lead to prison sentences for individuals who commit repeat violations.

State Celebrations and Public Sentiment

The military parade held at Dvortsovaya (Palace) Square was scaled down compared to previous years. Despite the reduced size of the official military event, thousands of people participated in the Immortal Regiment march.

The restrained nature of this year’s celebrations comes amid growing frustration within the country. Factors contributing to this tension include internet blackouts, wartime restrictions, and general fatigue regarding the prolonged invasion of Ukraine.

Despite these strains, Victory Day continues to be a politically critical holiday for the Kremlin, serving as a primary tool for state narrative and national identity.