The Kremlin has withdrawn accreditation for foreign media to cover the May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow, which will be held without military equipment. This decision was reported by the German publication Der Spiegel.
According to Der Spiegel, the Kremlin informed the publication via phone of the revocation. Other foreign media outlets, including ARD, ZDF, Sky News, AFP, as well as Italian and Japanese broadcasters Rai and NHK, also received similar notifications.
A Kremlin official stated to Der Spiegel, “The format of the parade coverage has been altered due to the situation. Therefore, foreign media that had previously been accredited will no longer be permitted.” No further details regarding the cancellation were provided.
Responses to other foreign media indicated that only Russian outlets would be allowed access to the event. This marks the first instance in which foreign media were initially granted accreditation for the May 9 parade, only to have it subsequently revoked.
Previously, on April 28, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that the May 9 parade would take place without military vehicles or the participation of military academy cadets due to the “current situation.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that the parade would be conducted in a “reduced format” due to a terrorist threat and because the date does not mark a significant anniversary. A similar format is expected for the parade in Saint Petersburg.
The Kremlin has rescinded accreditation for foreign journalists to cover the May 9 parade in Moscow, which will proceed without military displays. This unprecedented move follows recent announcements regarding the parade's altered format due to security concerns.