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Vladimir Putin’s Victory Day parade is another attempt to display might despite increasing isolation | World News

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The ground actually shuddered as the intercontinental ballistic missile launchers thundered past.

They were the final flourish of a 61-strong line-up of military hardware, and seeing the colossal Yars system up close was unnerving to say the least.

And that’s the point. This was a demonstration of military might and menace.

But those watching on in the Red Square lapped it up. Perhaps it’s no surprise they have been immersed in a narrative which presents these weapons of mass destruction as tools to secure peace.

Image:
Russia’s Yars intercontinental ballistic missile system. Pic: Reuters

Olga
Image:
Olga

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Watch Russia’s Victory Day parade – featuring one tank

“It’s wonderful,” Olga told Sky News. “We have a great country, we have a great army and, of course, a great people.

“When our soldiers march across the square, our hearts beat in time with their steps.”

The crowd were offered blankets against the snow and icy wind. While the parade offered a cloak of pomp and patriotism, as a means to justify Russia’s current path of aggression.

Service members taking part in the Victory Day parade. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Service members taking part in the Victory Day parade. Pic: Reuters

Antonina Korolyova, 102-year-old veteran
Image:
Antonina Korolyova, 102-year-old veteran

Pic: Reuters
Russian military vehicles, including Yars intercontinental ballistic missile system units, drive along a road before a military parade on Victory Day, which marks the 79th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2024. REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov
Image:
Pic: Reuters

There were periodic roars of “hurrah” from the phalanxes of troops; goose-stepping soldiers marched with mesmerising precision; and the military bands pumped out war songs at a volume so loud one could feel the vibrations.

In his speech, Vladimir Putin portrayed Russia as an iron fist in a velvet glove.

“Russia will do everything to prevent a global clash, but at the same time we will not allow anyone to threaten us”, he said.

Peace, but on our terms.

Read more:
Only one tank on display at Victory Day parade
Victory Day can be summed up by pain, pride and propaganda
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Russian service members and cadets during the march. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Russian service members and cadets during the march. Pic: Reuters

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Comparisons between the war in Ukraine and the defeat of Nazi Germany were expected, but it felt like the latter almost took a back seat.

The letter Z, which has become a symbol of Russia’s invasion, was everywhere in the crowd – on hats, badges and rosettes.

Even those who took part in the original conflict have bought into it.

“Of course we will win, this is certain,” 102-year-old Antonina, who served as a medic, told Sky News. “No matter how many wars there are, the Russians always win.”

“It’s all because of the United States of America”, said 99-year-old Anatoly.

Back 79 years ago, of course, it was very different indeed.

Vladimir Putin (right) with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (centre), Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (middle right) and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov (left). Pic: Reuters
Image:
Vladimir Putin (right) with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (centre), and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov (left). Pic: Reuters

Russian Su-25 jet aircrafts during the parade. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Russian Su-25 jet aircraft during the parade. Pic: Reuters

Moscow was on the same side as those it now views as enemies and it wasn’t so long ago that Britain, France and the US would send representatives to the Red Square parade.

Among the guests of honour this time – the leaders of Turkmenistan, Cuba and Guinea-Bissau.

It’s a reflection of Russia’s increasing isolation, but many here clearly don’t mind.



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