NewsRussia's Victory Day Parade: Showcasing Outdated Military Might Amid Tensions
Russia's Victory Day Parade: Showcasing Outdated Military Might Amid Tensions
Preparations are in full swing for military parades across many Russian cities to mark Victory Day. On May 9, the public will witness military equipment displayed in the streets. Rehearsal photographs from the town of Khabarovsk suggest that the showcased military might isn't particularly impressive. The parade revealed outdated tanks, signifying a contrast from the past grandeur.
Old tanks in the Victory Day parade in Khabarovsk
5:07 PM EDT, May 6, 2024
Throughout various Russian towns, efforts are being made to organize military parades for Victory Day. This event commemorates the triumph of Soviet troops over Nazism. Traditionally, the Kremlin has seized this occasion to display military prowess and showcase top-tier equipment. However, recent visuals present a different narrative.
Images surfacing from Khabarovsk's parade preparations unveil tanks that fall short of being a source of pride. Posts on Telegram reveal that the parade will include, among others, T-62M, T-72B (1989), and T-80BVM tanks—effectively relics from a bygone era.
The tanks, originating from designs of the 1950s and entering production in the 1960s, were first showcased in 1965. Though these models were phased out in 2013, they've been reintroduced into service following the Russian invasion of Ukraine due to equipment shortages.
Another featured tank, the T-72B, stands as one of the most common models within the Russian military, having been introduced in 1985. In Khabarovsk, the parade will also spotlight the T-80BVM, a more recent iteration of the T-80 tank family, now engaged in the conflict in Ukraine.
Before the Victory Parade, there was an uptick in security measures in Moscow. The city isn't just gearing up for the parade but is also enhancing its defenses. Anton Heraszczenko, an advisor to the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs, reported plans to deploy additional air defenses over Moscow on May 9, including measures against drones.
Police have been tasked with inspecting all residential buildings near event gathering sites ahead of the festivities.