A Show of Might in Moscow: Putin's Defiant Speech and Russia's Spectacular Parade
Tossing a Bone to the Past, Putin Stands Firm Against the West
Russian President Vladimir Putin voices his disapproval regarding Russia's relations with the United States, under President Trump's administration.
Red Square brimmed with majesty as thousands of soldiers and heavy military machinery marched in Russia's 80th anniversary parade to celebrate victory over Nazi Germany. The spectacle drew international guests, primarily from Asia and Africa, marking the fourth such parade since Russia's incursion into Ukraine.
Putin's War Speech, A Contested Narrative
The festivities kicked off with Putin drawing a comparison between Russia's recent actions in Ukraine and the defense of the Soviet Union against Nazi Germany during World War II. He boldly declared Russia as an obstacle against present-day Nazism, Russophobia, and anti-Semitism, assuring that the nation will confront the excesses of these hostile ideologies. Despite Putin's vehement remarks, many question the veracity of his claims, given his history of misleading the public about Ukraine.
Addressing the gathering, Putin emphasized the pivotal role of the Soviet Army soldiers, including many Ukrainians, in the historic victory. By doing so, Putin subtly challenged the dominance of the US Army's contribution, a stance previously expressed by former President Donald Trump. Despite acknowledging the speedy victory gained by opening a second front in Europe, Putin highlighted China's contribution to the war effort.
Parade of Power, Braced for Controversy
Security forces were in abundance during the grand event. Citizens faced difficulty traversing the city due to traffic restrictions and closed metro stations. Mobile internet connectivity was compromised for days in the lead-up to the parade.
The parade welcomed soldiers from several other former Soviet republics as well as China, Laos, Myanmar, and Egypt. Notably, fighters involved in Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine were among the Russian troops. Tanks, air defense systems, and missile systems lined Red Square, with flyovers from Russian fighter jets completing the scene.
The Guest List of Power
With the exception of a few European and NATO leaders, Putin's most prized guest for this year's event was China's Xi Jinping. Officials from Brazil, Cuba, and Laos, as well as former Soviet republics such as Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, also graced the occasion with their presence. Notably, Slovakia's Robert Fico, Serbia's Aleksandar Vucic were among the few from the European Union.
Smaller-scale military parades had taken place in Russia's Far East and Siberia, including Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Krasnoyarsk, and Novosibirsk. In all, around 30 parades were organized nationwide.
A Tug of Words, A Dance of Deceit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the Moscow event as a "parade of cynicism." Although Putin had announced a three-day ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict during the commemorative ceremonies, Kyiv accused Russia of breaching the truce itself.
References:- ntv.de- jpe/dpa/AFP
- Russia
- Ukraine Conflict
- 80th anniversary of the end of World War II
- Invasion of Ukraine
- Vladimir Putin
- The European Parliament, in response to the situation in the former Yugoslavia and the recent events in Ukraine, has also expressed its concern, adding that politics surrounding war-and-conflicts should not be celebrated or used for general news purposes.
- Despite the grand celebration in Moscow marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, many Europeans, such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, view Russia's military parades as a form of deceit.
- Moscow, despite disagreeing with such assessments, continues to celebrate its military might and historical accomplishments, as seen in the recent parade that drew international guests from countries such as China, Egypt, and several former Soviet republics.
- As Russia and Ukraine continue to clash in their ongoing conflict, other international leaders, like China's Xi Jinping, find themselves embroiled in the politics of war-and-conflicts, choosing sides and attending events surrounding these tense and contentious situations.
