What's happened
Russia's annual Victory Day parade on May 9, 2024, was marked by a scaled-back display of military hardware, featuring only a single WWII-era T-34 tank. President Vladimir Putin, recently inaugurated for his fifth term, used the event to deliver a speech in Red Square, emphasizing Russia's military readiness and denouncing Western actions. The parade, which commemorates the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany, was also disrupted by hackers who broadcast footage of the destruction in Ukraine. The event highlighted the ongoing impact of the Ukraine conflict on Russia's military and political landscape.
What's behind the headline?
What the papers say
According to Valerie Hopkins of the New York Times, President Putin's recent inauguration and the Victory Day parade are part of a broader effort to project strength and victory. The Independent's Holly Patrick highlights the stark contrast between this year's parade and pre-2022 events, noting the reduced number of tanks on display. Eva Hartog from Politico emphasizes Putin's rhetoric against the West and his confidence in Russia's nuclear capabilities. Business Insider UK and The Guardian both point out the symbolic use of the WWII-era T-34 tank and the impact of the Ukraine conflict on Russia's military display. The Moscow Times provides a personal perspective from a retired couple visiting a cemetery in Sevastopol, reflecting on the sacrifices made by Russian soldiers. Metro reports on the hacking incident that disrupted the parade's TV coverage, adding another layer of complexity to the event.
How we got here
Victory Day on May 9 is Russia's most important public holiday, commemorating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The day is marked by military parades, speeches, and patriotic displays. Since coming to power in 1999, President Vladimir Putin has used the event to bolster national pride and showcase Russia's military might. However, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which began with Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and escalated with the 2022 invasion, has strained Russia's military resources. This year's parade, featuring only a single WWII-era tank, reflects these challenges and the broader geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West.
Go deeper
- Why was the Victory Day parade scaled back this year?
- What was the significance of the single WWII-era tank?
- How did the hacking incident impact the parade?
Common question
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