On Friday, Russia will commemorate the 80th anniversary of its victory over Nazi Germany with a high-profile military parade in Moscow, one that promises to be the grandest yet since the onset of the Ukraine conflict. The Kremlin is expected to leverage this moment, inviting global leaders to enhance its image of international significance amidst ongoing military struggles. State narratives have attempted to unify historic patriotism with current wartime sentiment, but they camouflage deeper issues facing the nation.
"This anniversary offers an opportunity to reshape the narrative of Russia's current tensions with the West,” commented Sergei Lyaguzin, a professor specializing in international relations, during a state television appearance. Yet, despite the impressive display of military might, Russia's military outcomes remain stagnant, with negligible territory gained in Ukraine.
Economically, the situation is precarious. Russia's economy is currently grappling with significant downturns; vital sectors, such as oil, have seen price reductions, challenging the financial backbone of the state. To complicate matters, even international relations are appearing strained. Notably, former President Trump's recent critical comments regarding President Putin and his approach to the war signal potential shifts in global perception and alignments.
Analyst Alexander Kolyandr of the Center for European Policy Analysis notes that Russian leadership has adopted a philosophy of endurance, convinced that sheer perseverance will ultimately lead to victory. "They believe the contest will not be won by the better force but rather by the one that can endure the longest," he explains.
As the parade looms, the juxtaposition between the grandeur of the event and the realities on the ground raises questions about how sustainable the Kremlin's strategies are amidst evolving global narratives and domestic realities.
