Vladimir Putin was unable to show off his infamous 'Doomsday Plane' during Russia's famous annual military parade.
The strategic airborne sanctuary was meant to be in full view as Russia watched its Victory Day parade on May 9, with children dressing up for the day, but the flypast was cancelled due to low clouds.
Concerns about Russia's nuclear capabilities has continued as the war in Ukraine continues.
While Moscow's Red Square sees scores of military vehicles rumble past Putin and the watchful Kremlin, air raid sirens have already been heard in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on the same day.
The West has watched in outrage as Putin's tanks and troops swept into neighbouring Ukraine to be met with fierce resistance in some areas.
Victory Day may be Russia's chance to show off its continued strength, amid a faltering military campaign in neighbouring Ukraine.
Director of the Russia-Eurasia Programme at Chatham House, James Nixey, told CNN the day is "designed to show off to the home crowd, to intimidate the opposition and to please the dictator of the time".
What is the Doomsday Plane?
The so-called Doomsday Plane is a Russian-made aircraft designed to protect Vladimir Putin in the event of a nuclear attack.
The Ilyushin Il-80 had recently been flying low around Moscow in what the Kremlin describes as "rehearsals" for May 9.
Putin's "Flying Kremlin" has not been seen at the parade since 2010 and is a windowless airborne bunker designed to allow Putin to rule Russia in the event of a nuclear war.
The 60-metre long plane can be refuelled in mid-air and has a reported cruising speed of 530mph, with its first flight in 1987.
Top satellite equipment is a major part of the plane's function and much of it is placed in a large oval-shaped pod towards the front of the aircraft.
What is Victory Day?
Victory Day is Russia's commemoration of the end of World War Two when Soviet troops helped defeat Nazi forces by marching on Berlin.
The day is marked by a showing of strength by the Russian military and the country's leader laying a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
This year's parade has added significance after Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine, which has seen thousands killed and millions of people displaced, fleeing the burning wreckage of bombed cities.
The symbol of the campaign that has caused the deaths of innocent people and turned important cultural sites and buildings into smouldering remains is the haunting letter 'Z'.
This has been painted on Russian military vehicles for the campaign and the doomsday plane was supposed to form a letter Z in the sky, along with eight Mig-29 fighter jets, before the flypast was cancelled.
The parade is also a reminder of Russia' nuclear capabilities, as the likes of Yars intercontinental nuclear missiles and Iskander short-range ballistic missile systems are there on display for the world to see.
