Russian President Vladimir Putin oversaw a scaled-down Victory Day parade, highlighting his nation’s unity and determination to continue its war in Ukraine. Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the parade also masked underlying tensions within the Kremlin and Russian society.
At first glance, the parade appeared as the usual display of military power, featuring over 9,000 personnel, including 1,000 currently serving in what Russia still refers to as the “special military operation” — its official term for the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The mechanized portion of the parade was led by a WWII-era T-34 tank, symbolizing the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany.
May 9 is more than just a commemoration of the 25 million Soviet lives lost during World War II. Under Putin, this remembrance has taken on near-religious significance, with patriotic events like the “Immortal Regiment” march, where Russians carry photos of relatives who served in the war. Putin, who has prioritized “patriotic education,” traditionally lays flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
However, since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Victory Day parade has been downsized. The fly-by of military aircraft was canceled last year, and this year, the only tank present was the T-34 museum piece. The war effort seems to have taken precedence over ceremonial displays.
As in previous years, Putin framed the conflict in Ukraine as an extension of the Great Patriotic War, falsely claiming that Russia is fighting “neo-Nazism” in Ukraine. Despite the ongoing war, which has improved somewhat for Russia, Putin still called for greater sacrifices from the Russian people. In his speech, he acknowledged Russia’s “difficult, transitional period” and urged unity in the face of the ongoing conflict.
But this year’s parade occurs amid a bribery scandal in Russia’s Ministry of Defense. Last month, Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov was arrested in connection with a large-scale bribery investigation, alongside two businessmen. Ivanov, who has denied any involvement, was responsible for overseeing major reconstruction projects in war-torn cities like Mariupol, which has been central to Russia’s propaganda efforts.
Ivanov is under U.S. and EU sanctions for his role in the Ukraine war, and his former partner’s lavish lifestyle has drawn the scrutiny of Alexey Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation (ACF). Navalny, who died in a Russian prison earlier this year, left behind a legacy of investigating corruption in Putin’s Russia. The ACF continues to shine a light on corruption, with its recent documentary “The Traitors” gaining significant attention.
Despite internal scandals, Putin used Victory Day to present Russia as strong and proud, with the war effort bolstering the economy despite international sanctions. Prestige projects have long been tarnished by corruption, but on this day, Putin’s message of patriotism and sacrifice was central to the proceedings. After 25 years in power, Putin once again presided over the event, reaffirming his vision of Russia’s strength and unity.
