Russia marked its Victory Day with a quieter, tightly controlled parade in Moscow, as President Vladimir Putin used the moment to defend the war in Ukraine and sharply criticise NATO, according to Euro News.
Held in Red Square under heavy security, this year’s parade looked different. For the first time in nearly two decades, tanks and missile systems were absent, replaced by marching troops and a flyover of military aircraft. Officials said the scaled-back display was due to security concerns, including fears of possible Ukrainian drone attacks.
A temporary ceasefire, announced with US involvement, helped ease immediate fears of strikes on the capital. Still, past truces have quickly collapsed, and both Russia and Ukraine have continued to accuse each other of ongoing attacks.
In his speech, Putin described the war in Ukraine as “just” and framed it as a struggle against an “aggressive” Ukraine backed by NATO. “Victory has always been and will always be ours,” he said, standing before rows of soldiers in Red Square. He praised Russian unity and resilience, linking today’s conflict to the Soviet Union’s fight against Nazi Germany during World War II.
Victory Day remains Russia’s most important national holiday, honoring the more than 27 million Soviet lives lost in the war. Putin has often used the occasion to highlight Russia’s military strength and rally public support. This year, however, the tone was more guarded than triumphant.
Tensions remain high. Russia warned it would respond forcefully if Ukraine attempted to disrupt the celebrations, even as Ukraine signaled it would avoid targeting Red Square during the event. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed that gesture, saying Russia does not need “permission” to celebrate.
The parade, which lasted about 45 minutes, also featured foreign guests, including leaders from Belarus, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and Slovakia. North Korean soldiers, reportedly supporting Russia in the war, were also present among the marching units.
Behind the ceremony, the war continues. With fragile ceasefires and rising threats, the distance between symbolic displays and battlefield reality remains stark.
