Kazakhstan will not hold a traditional Victory Day military parade marking the anniversary of the Nazi defeat in World War II next month.
The Defense Ministry did not give any explanation in its statement released on April 13, but the country has not held a May 9 parade since 2019 due to the coronavirus epidemic.
Victory Day for decades was one of the most important national holidays in the Soviet Union, marking the surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945.
Under Russian President Vladimir Putin, the celebration in Moscow has become more grandiose, with officials using it as a way to showcase the latest military hardware and extoll the sacrifices of the millions who died in the war.
Many former Soviet republics like Kazakhstan have traditionally also held Victory Day celebrations, though they have tended to be more low-key.
About 125,000 Soviet troops of Kazakh origin are believed to have died in the war, with an unknown number of others missing in action.
According to the ministry, some 50 public events to honor World War II veterans and the country's armed forces will be held across the country instead.
The ministry also said it was suspending parades for another military holiday, -- the Day of Defenders of the Fatherland, which occurs on May 7.
Kazakh attitudes toward the armed forces have turned negative since January when military troops were involved in breaking up anti-government protests, resulting in at least 230 people being killed.
President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev gave army forces a shoot-to-kill order at the time.
Kazakhstan Cancels Victory Day Military Parade Again
Kazakhstan has not held a May 9 Victory Day parade since 2019 due to the coronavirus epidemic. (file photo)