Russia will always be victorious, says Putin at scaled-back Victory Day parade
Moscow blanketed in heavy security despite last-minute announcement of three-day ceasefire with Ukraine
TL;DR
- Putin declared Russia's inevitable victory at a reduced Victory Day parade, linking the current conflict to World War II.
- The parade was held under heavy security, with fewer military vehicles and a shorter duration compared to previous years.
- A three-day ceasefire and prisoner exchange were announced just before the event, brokered by the US.
- Concerns about Ukrainian attacks led to stripped-down pageantry and a focus on drone and nuclear capabilities.
- The article notes signs of weakening public support, economic strain, and battlefield stagnation for Russia.
- Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire, influenced by a US president's request, to avoid disrupting the parade.
- Putin was flanked by soldiers who fought in Ukraine, rather than World War II veterans.