Some expect a formal declaration of war, expanding what Russia has so far called a 'special operation' and leading to a national mobilization to send many more soldiers. It's now "a cornerstone of the narrative of Russia's greatness, heroism and sacrifice," said Kataryna Wolczuk, an associate fellow in the Russia and Eurasia program at London's Chatham House.īut if it's meant as a show of power for Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at adversaries in Ukraine and the West, the question is: What will he do? This year especially, it has come to symbolize much more.
Held almost every year since 1945, the May 9 parade marks the Soviet Red Army's victory over Nazi Germany in what's known in Russia as The Great Patriotic War. The high-tech command centre and getaway vehicle designed to spirit off Russia's top brass in the event of a nuclear war. There's even an ominous appearance by Moscow's so-called "doomsday" plane planned. Supersonic fighter jets and strategic bombers fly in formation overhead. Tanks and missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads chug across Moscow's Red Square. Photos and video show thousands of soldiers, pulled back from fighting in the muddy fields of Ukraine, march smartly with polished rifles and white gloves in this weekend's rehearsals. In the shadow of the Kremlin, in the middle of a war, Russia's getting ready for a parade - a Victory Day celebration, but without a victory in Ukraine to celebrate.
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