3 hours ago

Steve Rosenberg Russia Editor, Moscow

Natalia Kolesnikova/Anadolu via Getty Images

For the first time in nearly two decades, there will be no military hardware at the Red Square Victory Day parade

One word dominates Red Square right now: "Victory".

The word Pobeda stares down from giant red banners. It flashes across video screens. Close by people are taking selfies beside an art installation that spells out the word.

On the square, which is blocked off by metal barriers, soldiers are rehearsing for the annual Victory Day parade that marks the defeat of Nazi Germany.

Russia's national idea, constructed under Vladimir Putin, centres around the Soviet Union's victory in World War Two. The ninth of May has become Russia's most important national holiday.

But this year the 9 May parade is being scaled back. For the first time in nearly two decades there will be no military hardware on Red Square: no tanks, no ballistic missiles.…