Vladimir Putin addressed the "tough time" Russia faces amid global tensions and the war in Ukraine - but just one tank was seen during the nation's annual display of military prowess.
Russia wrapped itself in patriotic pageantry for Victory Day, a celebration of its defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II that Putin has turned into a pillar of his nearly quarter-century in power and a justification of his move into Ukraine. Even though few veterans of what Russia calls the Great Patriotic War are still alive 79 years after Berlin fell to the Red Army, the victory over Nazi Germany remains the most important and widely revered symbol of the country’s might and a key element of the country's national identity.
Putin and foreign leaders lay flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)"Today on Victory Day we are conscious of that even more acutely," he said before giving a warning: "Our strategic forces are always combat ready." Thursday’s festivities across Russia, led by Putin who this week began his fifth term in office, recall that wartime sacrifice in what has become its most important secular holiday.
The Yars mobile nuclear missile launcher seen during the Victory Day parade on Moscow’s Red Square (Kremlin.ru/e2w)But Russia's might appeared not to be on full display in the annual parade - with the strongman admitting the country was going through a "difficult period". Just only one tank was present throughout the entire display in Moscow - with the country earmarking its formidable arsenal and resources to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The lone T34 tank , used prominently during the Second World War, was the only of its kind present - a far cry from the delayed 2020 parade were more than 20 tanks were reportedly present, compared to just one in 2023 and one in 2024. However, other armoured vehicles were seen as thousands of serviceman marched in the Red Square parade.
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The Russian Yars intercontinental ballistic missile launcher rolled onto Red Square (AFP via Getty Images)During his speech, Putin continued: “The Victory Day unites all generations. We are going forward relying on our centuries-old traditions and feel confident that together we will ensure a free and secure future of Russia.” He hailed the troops fighting in Ukraine for their courage and blasted the West, accusing it of “fueling regional conflicts, inter-ethnic and inter-religious strife and trying to contain sovereign and independent centers of global development.”
And in a veiled threat to his adversaries, Putin also issued another stark reminder about Russia’s nuclear might. “Russia will do everything to prevent global confrontation, but will not allow anyone to threaten us,” he said. Since coming to power on the last day of 1999, Putin has made May 9 an important part of his political agenda, featuring displays of military might. Columns of tanks and missiles roll across Red Square and squadrons of fighter jets roar overhead as medal-bedecked veterans join him to review the parade.
Many wear the black-and-orange St. George’s ribbon that is traditionally associated with Victory Day. About 9,000 troops, including some 1,000 who fought in Ukraine, took part in Thursday’s parade. Putin, 71, talks frequently about his family history, sharing memories of his father, who fought on the front during the Nazi siege of the city and was badly wounded.
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