On May 9, 2024, Russia commemorated Victory Day with a military parade in Moscow’s Red Square, an event presided over by President Vladimir Putin. The parade, marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, was notably subdued this year, featuring a significant reduction in its usual grandeur. A single Soviet-era T-34 tank topped with the banner of the Soviet Union was the centerpiece, reflecting strains on the Russian military amidst ongoing conflicts in Ukraine.

Around 9,000 troops participated in the parade, among them veterans from the conflict in Ukraine. This year’s military display included a range of both vintage and modern military equipment, with warplanes flying overhead in demonstration of Russia’s air capabilities. The event also showcased Russia’s readiness against modern threats, highlighting soldiers equipped with anti-drone rifles as a defense against potential aerial attacks on strategic locations.

President Putin’s speech underscored the enduring significance of Victory Day in bolstering national unity and remembering the sacrifices made during World War II. He acknowledged the challenges Russia faces today, including ensuring the nation’s future security and freedoms, and emphasized the relevance of the day to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Furthermore, Putin reaffirmed Russia’s nuclear capabilities as a vital national defense measure.

The parade was attended by officials from allied and former Soviet nations, although ambassadors from the US and the UK were notably absent. Following the public event, President Putin met separately with Russian military commanders to discuss the advancement of drone technology, vital for countering threats in modern warfare scenarios.

This year’s Victory Day parade served as a platform for President Putin to express both commendation for the troops involved in Ukraine and critique towards Western nations, framing Russia as resolute despite international pressures and internal military challenges.