Context:

President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia marked the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany with a grand military parade in Moscow, underscoring Russia's global influence despite Western isolation efforts. The event was attended by leaders from China, Brazil, and North Korean generals, but notably absent were senior American officials. The parade featured over 11,500 servicemen and women, including Chinese troops, and highlighted Russia's military prowess with a display of over 180 military vehicles and a specialized drone unit. In his speech, Putin attempted to connect Russia's historical victories with its current military actions in Ukraine, describing the ongoing conflict as a 'righteous fight'. Despite the show of strength, Russia's military struggles in Ukraine and economic challenges due to falling oil prices and high-interest rates were evident, as the country has failed to achieve decisive victories on the battlefield.

Dive Deeper:

• The Victory Day parade in Moscow was a significant geopolitical event for Putin, who used the occasion to project Russia as a leader in a rising non-Western world order, with support from countries like China and Brazil despite Western efforts to isolate him.

• More than 20 foreign leaders, including North Korean generals and China's Xi Jinping, attended the parade, highlighting Russia's perceived global clout, though no senior American officials were present, reflecting strained Russia-West relations.

• The parade showcased Russia's military capabilities with over 180 military vehicles, including tanks, howitzers, and nuclear missile launchers, and featured a specialized drone unit for the first time, indicating the importance of drones in the conflict with Ukraine.

• Putin's speech briefly addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, framing it as a 'righteous fight' supported by the Russian populace, while attempting to draw parallels between Russia's past military triumphs and its current conflicts.

• Despite the parade's grandeur, Russia's military has not achieved a decisive victory in Ukraine, facing only incremental gains, and the economy is under pressure due to falling oil prices and persistent high-interest rates aimed at controlling inflation.

• Security concerns were heightened during the parade, with heavy measures in place amid fears of Ukrainian drone attacks, especially after a recent drone incident that led to the temporary closure of Moscow airports.

• The parade emphasized Russia's desire to use historical narratives to legitimize its actions in Ukraine, falsely claiming to fight 'Nazis', while seeking to maintain national unity on the significant May 9 Victory Day commemorations.