Putin's Victory Day parade: Modesty and threats amidst Ukraine conflict

A parade marched through the Red Square in Moscow to celebrate Victory Day. The ceremony was brief, much like Putin's speech. The weather did not encourage celebration, and there wasn't much to boast about either. Despite this, the Russian president made an effort to show strength. "Russian strategic forces are always combat-ready. We will not allow anyone to threaten us," he said.

Many reports by Russian and Belarusian media regarding alleged attacks and aggression from the Ukrainian side are likely untrue. Such reports may be part of an information war by the Russian Federation.

This marked the 21st Victory Day parade witnessed by Putin as president of Russia, and it was undoubtedly one of the most modest.

The Russian Ministry of Defence had previously reported that the parade would feature over 9,000 soldiers and about 70 pieces of military equipment.

Only one tank - the T-34, drove through Red Square. Traditionally, every year, this machine, which participated in World War II, opened the motorized show of force. This time, it was exceptionally modest.

Several armoured vehicles and infantry fighting vehicles drove through Red Square. Spectators could also admire the Iskander-M missile complexes, S-400 air defence systems, and Yars strategic missile systems.

The commentators highlighted the absence of artillery and tanks. This may suggest that all such equipment is being used in the war in Ukraine.

The parade concluded with a flyover of military aircraft over Red Square.

Putin's speech was short. "Today we see how the West tries to erase the truth about the war," Putin stated, emphasizing Russia's role in the victory over Germany during World War II. He also accused the West of trying "to justify Nazism."

"Russian strategic forces are always in combat readiness. We will not allow anyone to threaten us," he declared. He further proclaimed that Russia "will not allow a global confrontation, which the Western elites strive for."

"The West tries to incite conflicts around the world, interethnic hostility, and restrict sovereign centers of development," stated the president of Russia, ignoring the fact that he had ordered the attack on Ukraine.

"Russia will do everything to counteract the global conflict," he continued in a propagandistic tone.

"Russia is experiencing a difficult, transitional period; the fate of the motherland and its future depends on each of us," admitted Putin.

The Russian president also spoke about the participants in the war in Ukraine. He stated they are "heroes whose perseverance and sacrifice" the country honours.

The few remaining World War II veterans, dressed in thick jackets, listened to his words. The weather was not suitable for the celebration. Thermometers showed about 1 degree Celsius, and the strong wind lowered the felt temperature.

Putin was accompanied on the tribune by a total of nine foreign leaders. Among them were the leaders of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as the President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, President of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, and President of African Guinea-Bissau Umaro Sissoco Embola.