Kremlin Blackout as Putin Loses Control - Jason Jay Smart

As Moscow prepares for May 9 under drone-defense pressure, Russia’s Victory Day parade on Red Square will reportedly exclude tanks, armored vehicles, missile systems, and heavy weapons for the first time in nearly 20 years. Russian officials cite the “current operational situation,” while the Kremlin blames Ukrainian activity, leaving Putin’s central military ritual stripped down as the capital adds visible protection.

Before the parade changed, the battlefield picture had already moved against Russia. Institute for the Study of War (ISW) data shows Russia suffered 116 sq km (45 sq mi) of net territorial losses in April, while Russian advances and infiltrations totaled only 28.28 sq km (10.9 sq mi), roughly a 4.1-to-1 territorial reversal against Russia. May then opened with strikes on Primorsk, shadow-fleet tankers, and Ukrainian claims of a Karakurt-class Kalibr missile carrier hit.

With United24 reporting open-source footage of S-400 surface-to-air missile components moving through Moscow ahead of May 9, and analysts citing about 130 air-defense sites around the capital, the pressure is no longer confined to the front. Russia still has glide bombs, missiles, drones, and destructive power, but the target list now includes Moscow, Red Square, ports, tankers, airfields, refineries, state institutions, and the capital itself.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro: Ukraine Strikes Putin’s Moscow
02:10 - Ghost Parade: Russia’s Failed Victory Day
05:21 - Economic Blow: Ukraine Shreds Russia's Rear Infrastructure
08:12 - Elite Exodus: Putin's Inner Circle Starts Defecting
10:48 - Looted Future: Russian Elites Rob Pension Funds
11:19 - Final Countdown: The Imminent End of Putin’s Regime