In the shadow of Victory Day: Russia faces military and moral dilemmas

In Russia, final preparations are underway for the annual Victory Day celebrations, which are scheduled for May 9. Vladimir Putin's army currently has the upper hand on the front, but they are now facing challenging times as the command has decided... to withdraw their tanks. One of the soldiers has openly criticized the authorities.

For several weeks, preparations for military parades have been in full swing. These parades will take place in numerous Russian cities to commemorate Victory Day. On May 9, Russians will have the chance to witness military hardware parading through their streets.

However, significant disputes have emerged, as highlighted by a Russian soldier engaged in fierce battles at the front.

Our battalion is stationed in Slovianskserbsk in the LPR (Lugansk People's Republic). For those unfamiliar, let me clarify. From here, it's a brief journey to Chasiv Yar, the site of some of the most intense fighting - the Russian soldier points out.

Vladimir Putin's army is taking the lead on the front, yet they are now facing tough days ahead, as the command has decided... to reassign their tanks, all because of the upcoming Victory Day.

Russia's objective to dismantle Ukraine remains steadfast, employing every means at its disposal. According to expert Oleksiy Melnyk, the current tactical objective is to conquer the mentioned town of Chasiv Yar. It represents a critical milestone in the bid to assume control over Donbas, which the aggressor aims to detach from Ukraine.

Melnyk evaluates that for the Russians, it's a priority mission. Their ambition is to annex the entire Donetsk region. While the Luhansk region is almost fully occupied, the situation in Donetsk is different. Achieving this could be their target in the upcoming months.

Moscow is not only gearing up for the parade but is also ramping up security measures around the Russian capital. Anton Herashchenko, an advisor to the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs, pointed out that Russia plans to beef up its air defence over Moscow on May 9, including measures against drones.

Police have been tasked to search all residential buildings near areas where crowds assemble before the ceremony.