In a display designed to assert national strength and rally public support, Russia is gearing up for an expansive military parade in Moscow to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany. Set for this Friday, the event is expected to be the largest since the onset of the Ukraine war, spotlighting the Kremlin's attempt to link past triumphs with its current military endeavors in Ukraine.
Under the arch of a slogan reading "We remember," spectators gathered to witness rehearsals of the show of force in the heart of Moscow on Wednesday. This year's military parade serves as a symbol of resilience with the Kremlin wanting to project an image of invincibility on the international stage, especially as world leaders have been invited to the event.
Scholars point out that this narrative is strategically crafted to bolster support for the ongoing war in Ukraine, with state-backed media framing the conflict as a continuation of Russia’s historical struggle against Western adversaries. "The victorious narrative from 80 years ago provides a fresh lens through which to view Russia's modern challenges," said international relations expert Sergei Lyaguzin on a state-run outlet.
However, while the parade aims to dazzle, behind the scenes, Russia’s military advances in Ukraine stand stagnant, and its economy is grappling with significant hurdles, especially as oil prices fall—an essential revenue stream for the country. Additionally, hints from prominent figures, including former President Trump, indicate a cooling in the Western support for Russia, complicating its position further.
Experts note that President Putin has been downplaying these economic challenges, suggesting that temporary pain will yield long-term benefits as he holds out hope for a decisive victory. According to Alexander Kolyandr, an economist, "Russia believes that resilience will outlast opposition strengths; they hold onto the conviction that victory favors the most enduring."
As Red Square prepares for its grand drill, the true state of the nation may be more precarious than the festive display indicates, with economic and diplomatic crises lurking beneath the surface.
Under the arch of a slogan reading "We remember," spectators gathered to witness rehearsals of the show of force in the heart of Moscow on Wednesday. This year's military parade serves as a symbol of resilience with the Kremlin wanting to project an image of invincibility on the international stage, especially as world leaders have been invited to the event.
Scholars point out that this narrative is strategically crafted to bolster support for the ongoing war in Ukraine, with state-backed media framing the conflict as a continuation of Russia’s historical struggle against Western adversaries. "The victorious narrative from 80 years ago provides a fresh lens through which to view Russia's modern challenges," said international relations expert Sergei Lyaguzin on a state-run outlet.
However, while the parade aims to dazzle, behind the scenes, Russia’s military advances in Ukraine stand stagnant, and its economy is grappling with significant hurdles, especially as oil prices fall—an essential revenue stream for the country. Additionally, hints from prominent figures, including former President Trump, indicate a cooling in the Western support for Russia, complicating its position further.
Experts note that President Putin has been downplaying these economic challenges, suggesting that temporary pain will yield long-term benefits as he holds out hope for a decisive victory. According to Alexander Kolyandr, an economist, "Russia believes that resilience will outlast opposition strengths; they hold onto the conviction that victory favors the most enduring."
As Red Square prepares for its grand drill, the true state of the nation may be more precarious than the festive display indicates, with economic and diplomatic crises lurking beneath the surface.
