A Less Muscular Victory Day Parade Shows Putin’s Growing Vulnerability
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- President Vladimir Putin’s annual Victory Day parade, traditionally a display of Russian military strength, is this year marked by a notable absence of missiles and heavy armor due to security concerns amid ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
- The parade features over 1,000 active Russian military personnel involved in the Ukraine war, as well as some North Korean troops previously engaged in combat near Russia’s Kursk region.
- Moscow has implemented heightened security measures to protect Putin, highlighting vulnerabilities as Ukraine conducts long-range drone and missile strikes on Russian territory.
- Putin’s request for a cease-fire on parade day was rejected by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who sarcastically stated Ukraine would "permit" the parade by refraining from attacks.
