Russia's subdued Victory Day celebrations highlighted growing security concerns and the strain of the Ukraine war, creating an atmosphere described as 'closer to wartime protection' according to an analyst.

Russia’s scaled-down Victory Day celebrations highlighted mounting security concerns and the strain of the war in Ukraine, according to Chatham House analyst Grégoire Roos. Speaking to FRANCE 24, Roos said tighter security, internet shutdowns and fears of Ukrainian drone strikes created an atmosphere “closer to wartime protection” than national triumph, even as President Vladimir Putin continues to retain broad public support.