In a notably restrained Victory Day celebration in Moscow, President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech that sought to legitimise Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine while criticising NATO. The event, held at the iconic Red Square, featured no military hardware for the first time in years, reflecting heightened security concerns amid fears of potential Ukrainian retaliation. This year’s observance comes as both nations had reportedly agreed to a ceasefire, although accusations of violations quickly followed.
A Just War: Putin’s Justification
Addressing an audience of military personnel, Putin characterised the conflict in Ukraine as a “just” war, labelling Ukraine as an “aggressive force” bolstered by NATO’s support. “The great feat of the generation of victors inspires the soldiers carrying out the goals of the special military operation today,” he said, alluding to the ongoing military campaign that has persisted for over four years. His remarks were a stark reminder of the Kremlin’s narrative, portraying Russia as a defender against Western encroachment.
He went on to laud various sectors of society, acknowledging the contributions of workers, scientists, and educators to the war effort. “No matter how military tactics change, the future of the country is being provided for by the people,” he asserted, further intertwining national pride with the military campaign.
A Scaled-Back Parade
This year’s Victory Day parade, a hallmark of Russian national pride commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany, was markedly reduced in scale. For the first time in years, the parade did not feature tanks, armoured vehicles, or ballistic missiles, a decision attributed to the “current operational situation” as articulated by Russian officials. “Our tanks are busy right now,” remarked MP Yevgeny Popov, underscoring the shift in focus from military display to battlefield necessity.
The absence of heavy military equipment marked a significant deviation from past years, where such displays were used to project Russia’s military strength. Instead, the event featured troops marching across Red Square, underscored by a display of military music and ceremonial cannon fire.
Diminished Global Attendance
International representation at the parade was notably sparse compared to previous years, with leaders from only a handful of countries in attendance. Among them were Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus and Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, the only EU leader present. This stark contrast from the previous year’s 80th anniversary celebration, which saw the likes of Xi Jinping and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, reflects a growing international isolation for Russia amid the ongoing conflict.
In a broader context, the muted celebrations were felt across various regions of Russia, where parades were either significantly reduced or cancelled altogether. In Vladivostok, for instance, an Immortal Regiment march took place, honouring war veterans, but the overall atmosphere lacked the fervour of past commemorations.
Ceasefire Claims and Accusations
While the parade unfolded, a fragile three-day ceasefire was reportedly in effect, having been announced earlier by former US President Donald Trump. However, following the celebrations, the Russian defence ministry claimed that Ukraine had violated the truce. Ukraine has yet to provide a response to these allegations, and the situation remains tense as both sides continue to accuse each other of ceasefire violations.
Why it Matters
The Victory Day celebrations serve not only as a commemoration of historical sacrifice but also as a crucial tool for the Kremlin’s narrative, reinforcing national unity and support for the military campaign in Ukraine. The decision to scale back the parade, amidst security concerns and operational priorities, signals the ongoing challenges Russia faces in sustaining its military ambitions while managing domestic expectations. As the war continues to reshape international dynamics, the implications of this year’s subdued observance may resonate far beyond the borders of Russia, influencing perceptions and policies across Europe and beyond.