As the rain fell in Moscow, thousands of Russian troops, along with tanks and armored vehicles, rolled through Red Square in a display of military strength for the 79th annual Victory Day parade. This long-standing event commemorates the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany, but this year it carried the weight of a nation at war, as the conflict with Ukraine enters its third year.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his role as commander-in-chief, oversaw the parade for the 21st time. More than 9,000 individuals and 70 pieces of military equipment, including regiments from various branches and a combined military orchestra, were showcased, emphasizing the country’s military heritage and prowess. Notably, participants from the “special military operation,” the Kremlin’s term for the war against Ukraine, joined the ranks of the marchers. The ceremonial event culminated with a flyover by Russian Air Force aerobatics teams.
This year, the parade was infused with a narrative of propaganda, with Russia positioning its actions in Ukraine as a continuation of the Red Army’s historic victory. Amid the pomp and ceremony, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported that 150,000 people and 2,500 types of weapons and military equipment were involved in celebrations across the nation.
Diplomatically, the parade underscored the growing chasm between Russia and Western nations. “Unfriendly countries” received no invitations to the event, with leaders from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Cuba among the attendees. This exclusion mirrored the deepening fractures stemming from Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which has led to a surge in sanctions and fortified global alliances against Moscow. NATO countries stand in opposition, accusing Russia of unprovoked aggression that has led to significant civilian casualties and a refugee crisis.
On the battlefield, incremental gains have been made by Russian forces in eastern Ukraine, with expectations of a large-scale offensive looming. Ukrainian military officials reported that ahead of Victory Day, Russian forces aimed to seize strategic locations, a plan not yet realized. The urgency for Russian territorial acquisitions mounts as Ukrainian forces anticipate the delivery of substantial U.S. aid to replenish diminished artillery and ammunition supplies.
In contrast to the grandeur in Moscow, Ukraine continues to challenge Russia’s sense of invulnerability, mounting drone and missile attacks on Russian energy infrastructure. Despite this, Russia appears to have a manpower advantage, with Putin claiming that hundreds of thousands have voluntarily joined the fight.
The conflict has been brutal, particularly in the east, where the war has inflicted a heavy toll on both sides. The United States declassified a report in December suggesting that Russia suffered at least 315,000 dead and injured troops. However, both Russia and Ukraine have remained tight-lipped about their official death tolls since the early stages of the war.
Relevant articles:
– Amid pomp and propaganda, Russia holds Victory Day military parade as war rumbles on , CNBC, 05/09/2024
– Putin to mark Victory Day emboldened by Ukraine gains, Yahoo Singapore News, 05/09/2024
– Ukraine war live updates: Moscow revels in military pomp amid gains in Ukraine; Russian Belgorod region attacked, injuring 8, CNBC, 05/09/2024
– Moscow children celebrate ‘victory’ amid patriotic education drive, Yahoo News UK, 05/09/2024
– Ukraine War, Day 804: Russia’s Nuclear Threat Amid Putin’s “Inauguration”, EA WorldView, 05/07/2024