Tension, Not Triumph”: Moscow’s May 9 Parade Exposes Kremlin’s Fragile Power
Members of the Russian National Guard (Rosgvardiya) walk across Red Square decorated for the Victory Day military parade, marking the anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, in central Moscow, Russia, May 4, 2026. REUTERS/Ramil Sitdikov
Moscow’s May 9 parade, long used by the Kremlin as a showcase of military strength, was noticeably scaled back this year, with analysts saying the changes highlight Russia’s growing vulnerability amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and mounting economic pressure.
This is reported by The New York Times.
Journalists note that this year’s parade on Red Square was significantly shorter than in previous years. The event did not display some of the traditional heavy equipment and missile systems, and the main part of the column was made up of infantry units, military academies, and participants in the war against Ukraine.
The article notes that the parade was held under heightened security due to the risk of drone and missile strikes on Russian territory. According to analysts, this was one of the manifestations of the country’s changing situation.
“This year’s parade highlighted a moment of weakness for Putin,” the article says.
Journalists also note that the war is increasingly affecting life inside Russia, and large cities can no longer remain isolated from the consequences of hostilities.
“The shortened parade, held at the highest point in the Russian calendar, reinforced the feeling that Moscow and other major Russian cities could no longer be isolated from the war,” the publication notes.
Analysts attribute the changes in the parade format to the overall situation in Russia, including economic pressure and the situation at the front. The article notes that the Russian economy is entering a slowdown phase and the budget deficit is increasing.
Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Russia-Eurasia Center, Tatyana Stanova, stated that the mood in Russian society is changing.
“Since the beginning of the year, there has been a certain shift that we are not yet fully aware of… everyone is fed up with it,” said Tetyana Stanova.
She also noted that the increased security measures are a result of the Russian authorities feeling their own vulnerability.
“Everything that is happening today from a security perspective is a result of the government feeling vulnerable,” the expert added.
Despite the shortened format of the event, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech at the parade in which he attempted to link the war against Ukraine with the events of World War II.
By the way, in Russia, amid the cancellation of military parades in several regions due to “security considerations,” they began holding mass children’s “victory parades” in kindergartens. The Center for Countering Disinformation stated that in this way, the Russian authorities are trying to form a generation loyal to the war.
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