Putin's Subdued Victory Day: A lone tank rolls through Red Square
A parade marched through Moscow's Red Square to celebrate Victory Day, albeit in a subdued manner, mirroring the brevity of President Putin's address. Unfavorable weather conditions added to the lackluster atmosphere, yet Putin aimed to project strength. "Russian strategic forces are always combat-ready. We will not allow anyone to threaten us," he asserted.
Many reports from Russian and Belarusian media about alleged Ukrainian attacks and aggression are likely false. These may be components of an information warfare strategy by the Russian Federation.
This marked Putin's 21st Victory Day parade as Russia's president, and it was notably one of the most modest to date.
A lone tank's passage
The Russian Ministry of Defense had initially announced the parade would showcase over 9,000 soldiers and approximately 70 pieces of military hardware.
However, just a single tank, the T-34, which saw action in World War II, rolled through Red Square. As has become tradition, this tank spearheaded the motorized display of military might, but the exhibition was remarkably restrained on this occasion.
The onlookers did see several armored and infantry fighting vehicles, as well as Iskander-M missile complexes, S-400 air defense systems, and Yars strategic missile systems.
Commentators noted the scarcity of artillery and tanks, suggesting that most of this equipment might be deployed in the conflict in Ukraine.
Putin's message to the West
The parade wrapped up with a military aircraft flyover above Red Square.
Putin kept his address brief, accusing the West of distorting historical truths about the war and of attempting "to justify Nazism," while highlighting Russia's role in World War II. "Russian strategic forces are always ready for combat. We won't let anyone threaten us," he proclaimed. Furthermore, he stated Russia's opposition to "a global confrontation, which Western elites seem to seek."
"The West is stirring up conflicts worldwide, fomenting ethnic strife, and undermining sovereign development," Putin claimed, ignoring his directive for the assault on Ukraine.
"Russia will do everything in its power to prevent a global conflict," he declared, continuing in a propagandistic manner. "Russia is undergoing a hard, transitional period, and the destiny of our motherland and its future depends on each and every one of us," Putin acknowledged.
International attendees from across the globe
Putin also mentioned the fighters in the Ukraine conflict, lauding them as "heroes, honored for their perseverance and sacrifice" by the nation.
Listening to his speech were the few remaining World War II veterans, wrapped up against the cold. The temperature hovered around 34 degrees Fahrenheit, with a piercing wind making it feel even colder.
Putin was joined on the podium by several foreign dignitaries, including leaders from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as President Thongloun Sisoulith of Laos, President Miguel Díaz-Canel of Cuba, and President Umaro Sissoco Embola of Guinea Bissau.
