As Russia commemorated the 79th anniversary of its victory over Nazi Germany, the traditional show of military prowess at Moscow’s Victory Day parade was notably subdued this year, reflecting the pressures of its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin, during his address, acknowledged a “difficult period” for Russia, even as he avowed the readiness of the nation’s strategic forces.
In stark contrast to past years, the parade featured just one tank – a WWII-era T-34, a symbol of the country’s storied military history, but also a poignant indicator of current constraints. This pared-back display comes after recent years saw over 20 tanks roll through Red Square. The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) has reported that Russia has suffered substantial losses in Ukraine, with more than its entire pre-invasion inventory of tanks destroyed.
Putin’s speech took a tone that was both defiant and somber. “Our strategic forces are always combat ready,” he asserted, maintaining a posture that has characterized much of his rhetoric around Russia’s military capabilities. The Russian leader’s comments come at a time when the country has seen the loss of 3,000 tanks and is refitting older models to replenish its forces, which, despite setbacks, reportedly still outnumber Ukraine’s two-to-one.
The Victory Day events also occur against a backdrop of escalated tensions with the West and repeated strikes within Russian territory, leading to heightened security measures during the parade. Several Russian regions canceled their parades due to security concerns. While the capital’s parade went ahead, the country’s “Immortal Regiment” civilian processions, another key element of Victory Day, were canceled nationally.
The event, which Putin has amplified since coming to power, traditionally features military vehicles and missiles parading through Red Square, with fighter jets overhead, as veterans and officials observe the proceedings. Though the spectacle was less grandiose this year, the presence of foreign heads of state from allied nations like Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Cuba underscored Russia’s continued efforts to project unity and strength.
During his address, Putin praised Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine, trying to rally morale as the conflict persists. He concluded his speech with a call to arms, “For Russia! For victory! Hurrah!” met with cheers from the assembled soldiers.
However, the scale-back of this year’s parade is a telling sign of the toll the Ukraine conflict is exacting on Russia’s military. The country’s dedication of considerable resources to the war effort has evidently impacted the traditional display of military might. This, coupled with the fact that Moscow began refitting old tanks after losing a significant number during the conflict, paints a picture of a nation striving to maintain an image of military invincibility amidst undeniable challenges.
Relevant articles:
– Russia Victory Day parade: Only one tank on display as Vladimir Putin says country is going through ‘difficult period’, news.sky.com, 05/09/2024
– Russia marks Victory Day parade amid Ukraine war, Al Jazeera English, 05/09/2024
– Vladimir Putin says Russia facing ‘difficult’ period in ‘Victory Day’ celebration, UPI News, 05/09/2024
– Russia scales back Victory Day celebrations amid fears of threat from Ukraine, Yahoo News UK, 05/09/2024
– Putin’s dreaded ‘nuclear briefcase’ spotted at Victory Day parade…but TV coverage HACKED to show destroyed Russian tanks, The Sun, 05/09/2024