Russia celebrated its 79th “Victory Day” military parade as the ongoing war with Ukraine entered its third year. The annual event on May 9 commemorates the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, with Russian troops and military hardware paraded through Red Square in Moscow. The parade serves as an opportunity for propaganda, with the Kremlin drawing parallels between the Red Army’s victory in 1945 and the current conflict in Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin, as commander-in-chief of Russia’s armed forces, inspected the parade for the 21st time, with more than 9,000 people and 70 pieces of equipment on display.
Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu mentioned that the foot column included various regiments, battalions, and companies from different types and branches of troops, as well as participants in the ongoing “special military operation” against Ukraine. The parade concluded with a flyover of the Russian Air Force’s aerobatics teams. Apart from Moscow, other cities across Russia also held ceremonies and celebrations, involving an estimated 150,000 people and 2,500 types of weapons and military equipment. President Putin stated that Russia would avoid a global confrontation but would not allow anyone to threaten the country, emphasizing that the strategic nuclear forces were combat-ready.
Russia’s relations with the West have deteriorated significantly since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, resulting in the deepening of existing fractures and the emergence of more divided global alliances. Moscow claims that the West aims to inflict a “strategic defeat” on Russia, while Ukraine’s allies argue that they are helping Kyiv to defend itself against Russian aggression. Amid incremental gains for Russian forces in eastern Ukraine, a large-scale offensive is anticipated for early summer. Ukrainian forces have retreated in some areas, allowing Russian forces to advance around Avdiivka in Donetsk and seize additional villages in the region.
Ukraine is under pressure to defend itself against Russian offensives, with fears that Russian forces might seize strategic targets like the town of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk. Despite receiving U.S. aid, Ukrainian forces struggle with manpower compared to Russia, which has mobilized hundreds of thousands of soldiers, including convicts and conscripts. The conflict in eastern Ukraine has been intense, with fighting often referred to as a “meat grinder” due to the waves of Russian soldiers overwhelming Ukrainian forces. While official death toll data is not released, a declassified U.S. intelligence report suggested that Russia has suffered at least 315,000 dead and injured troops since the war began.
In the midst of escalating tensions, the Victory Day parade served as a display of military strength and patriotism for Russia. The event highlighted the country’s commitment to its armed forces and reinforced the message of standing against external threats. Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and strained relations with the West, Russia showcased unity and determination to uphold its national pride and security. As the war continues with no clear resolution in sight, both Russia and Ukraine remain locked in a deadly struggle for control and dominance in the region.
