On the 9th of May, the streets of Moscow echoed with the annual display of military might and patriotic fervor as Russia marked Victory Day. President Vladimir Putin, standing confidently before the gathered masses, delivered his customary address, underscoring the significance of the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. This day of remembrance, however, has morphed into a stage for Putin to bolster national pride and legitimize his military endeavors, particularly the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In the face of mounting international criticism, Putin has repeatedly labeled the war against Ukraine an existential fight against “Nazism,” drawing on historical parallels to galvanize support. The recent parade showcased not only the usual arsenal of advanced military hardware but also captured Western-made armoured vehicles, including a British Saxon personnel carrier and an American Bradley tank, displayed under banners proclaiming “Our victory is inevitable.”
Putin’s Victory Day speech comes at a time when his forces, according to state media, have advanced in Ukraine, despite setbacks and high equipment losses. In what can be seen as a symbolic act of defiance, eight world leaders, predominantly from former Soviet states and nations with close ties to Moscow, attended the parade. Notably, the Prime Minister of Armenia, amid a diplomatic rift with Russia, abstained from the event, a subtle indication of the fraying unity among traditional allies.
This demonstration of strength coincides with reports of intensifying attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The Ukrainian Air Force reported shooting down a significant number of missiles aimed at its power generation and transmission facilities, as Russia seeks to cripple Ukraine’s civilian energy supply. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced these attacks, calling Putin a “Nazi” and emphasizing the irony of Russia’s actions on a day meant to commemorate victory over Nazism.
The global response to Putin’s Victory Day display has been varied. While some nations lean towards Putin’s narrative, Kosovo’s foreign minister conveyed unequivocal support for Ukraine, stressing that a Russian defeat is imperative for preventing further conflicts in Europe. This stance from Kosovo, which has experienced its own struggles for independence and sovereignty, underlines the broader repercussions of the Ukraine conflict on European stability.
Security precautions in Russia have been heightened, reflecting concerns over Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian territory. Other regions within Russia, including Kursk and Pskov, have cancelled their parades, citing security reasons. These measures suggest an underlying anxiety about the impact of the conflict on Russia’s own soil.
Despite Putin’s efforts to portray a narrative of unstoppable progress, the reality of the war in Ukraine tells a more complex story. The military losses sustained by Russia and the opposition faced by Putin, both domestically and abroad, contrast with the assured tone of his Victory Day speech.
Relevant articles:
– Putin to mark Victory Day emboldened by Ukraine gains , Yahoo Singapore News, 05/09/2024
– Putin’s a ‘Nazi,’ Zelenskyy says as Russia intensifies attacks on energy grid ahead of Victory Day, POLITICO Europe, 05/08/2024
– Ukraine war latest: ‘Undeclared Russian military intelligence officer’ expelled from UK, Sky News, 05/09/2024
– Putin puts captured British armoured cars and American tanks on display after they were captured in Ukraine, Yahoo News Australia, 05/07/2024
– Ukraine war latest: ‘Undeclared Russian military intelligence officer’ expelled from UK, Sky News, 05/07/2024