As Moscow prepares for its annual Victory Day Parade on May 9, a day marking the defeat of Nazi Germany and a pinnacle of patriotic fervor in Russia, President Vladimir Putin has added a new element to the usual display of military might: an array of Western armored vehicles, reportedly captured on the battlefields of Ukraine.
The exhibition, a brazen show of strength, includes a British Saxon armoured personnel carrier, an American Bradley tank, and a French-made AMX-10RC armoured fighting vehicle among others. Under the red banners emblazoned with “Our victory is inevitable”, these captured vehicles are not just war trophies but serve as a political statement and a psychological operation. According to reports, the exhibition also includes a Swedish CV90 and tanks from other countries like Turkey and Australia.
Historically, Putin has utilized this day to deliver impassioned speeches, frequently directing criticism towards Western powers and framing Russia’s actions in Ukraine within the context of its historical struggle against fascism. The showcasing of these vehicles coincides with the Russia’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, an event Putin has equated with Russia’s current conflict in Ukraine.
The exhibition has an added layer of significance against the backdrop of the immense losses suffered by the Russian military since the beginning of the invasion. Sources claim that over 3,000 Russian tanks have been damaged or destroyed, highlighting the intensity and cost of the conflict. Reports indicate that Russia lost the same number of tanks during the Ukraine war as it had in active service across its armed forces prior to Vladimir Putin’s invasion. To fill the gap, Russia is reportedly drawing from its strategic reserves and increasing defense spending.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military is facing its own daunting challenges. Reports indicate that Russia is making tactical gains on the battlefield, and Ukraine is urgently awaiting the arrival of aid and weapons from the United States and other allies to stabilize the frontlines.
Despite the show of captured armor in Moscow, the war continues to extract a heavy toll on both sides. Russia’s military advances in the Donetsk region have reportedly forced Ukrainian forces to retreat and regroup, adding pressure to Kyiv’s call for expedited military support.
Relevant articles:
– Putin parades British armoured cars and US tanks captured in Ukraine , The Independent, 05/01/2024
– Putin’s brazen show of strength: Displays captured American and British tanks in Moscow, Hindustan Times, 04/30/2024
– Putin’s Trophies: Ahead Of Victory Day, Russian Prez Flaunts American, British Tanks Captured In Ukraine, News18, 04/30/2024
– Russia: Putin displays British armoured cars, US tanks captured in Ukraine in brazen show of strength, India TV News, 04/30/2024
– WATCH: From Saxon to Bradley, Putin displays captured American, British tanks in Moscow, Firstpost, 04/30/2024