On May 9, Russians filled Moscow’s iconic Red Square to commemorate Victory Day, marking the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany. In what has become the nation’s most revered holiday, President Vladimir Putin took center stage, delivering a speech that, amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, held a different tenor than in years past. Russia’s military might was on display, albeit muted in comparison to previous years, reflecting the ongoing conflict next door.
Putin’s speech to the assembled troops was one of defiance and accusation. He praised the Russian military’s efforts in Ukraine, framing the conflict as a necessary response to Western provocations. “Western elites,” he said, have been the agitators of global conflicts, positioning Russia as a force of stability against such threats. Amid heightened tensions, Putin issued a stark reminder that Russia’s nuclear forces are “always” on alert, a chilling echo of recent threats in the face of opposition from the UK and France. His warning that Russia “will not allow anyone to threaten us” was a direct nod to the pressures the nation faces from international sanctions and military aid to Ukraine.
Security measures in Moscow were notably stringent leading up to the parade. The threat perception has been heightened due to Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory and an attack near Moscow in March that left many casualties. Some regions, including Kursk and Pskov, canceled their parades citing security reasons. The scaled-back parade, featuring columns of military equipment, was a symbolic nod to the resources committed to the Ukraine front lines.
The gathering of world leaders was limited, with only nine attending, including those from former Soviet republics and countries like Cuba, Laos, and Guinea-Bissau. This sparse international attendance underscores Russia’s increasing isolation on the global stage as the war in Ukraine has strained relations with many Western nations.
Putin’s speech came on the heels of his fifth presidential inauguration, where he vowed to deliver “victory” to Russians. Yet, the progress in Ukraine he touted was overshadowed by reports of high Russian casualties and a slow advance in the conflict.
Internationally, the dynamic of the conflict remains tense and uncertain. Recent diplomatic moves, including UK Foreign Minister David Cameron’s lift on the prohibition against Ukraine using British weapons to strike targets within Russia, have escalated the stakes. In response, Putin threatened retaliation against British military installations and equipment, signaling the gravity of the war’s implications for global security.
Relevant articles:
– Ukraine war updates: Putin says Russia ‘will not allow anyone to threaten us’ as Moscow revels in military might , CNBC, 05/10/2024
– Russia marks Victory Day parade amid Ukraine war, Al Jazeera English, 05/09/2024
– Watch live: Putin’s Victory Day concludes with fireworks in Moscow amid Ukraine war, The Independent, 05/09/2024