Putin Leverages Victory Day Parade to Assert Global Leadership Amidst Ukraine Conflict

Amidst a military parade celebrating a historic victory, Russian President Vladimir Putin projects an image of global leadership alongside dignitaries, even as the realities of the Ukraine war and economic challenges loom large.

Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations on Friday marked 80 years since the defeat of Nazi Germany, with President Vladimir V. Putin taking center stage alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping. The event served not just as a commemoration of history, but as a platform for Putin to display his aspiration to be viewed as a central figure in a coalition of countries opposing Western influence. Among the audience were over 20 international leaders, including Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, signifying a potential shift in Russia's international relationships despite continued sanctions and isolation following the invasion of Ukraine.

However, the grandeur of the parade stood in stark contrast to the realities on the Ukrainian battlefield. Over three years into the conflict, Russia has yet to secure a decisive win and has only made marginal advancements. Compounding these military challenges, Russia’s economy is facing hurdles with decreased oil revenues and persistently high interest rates aimed at controlling inflation.

Putin has historically leveraged the Soviet victory narrative to rationalize his actions in Ukraine, yet this year's celebrations have revealed stark divisions in a nation grappling with the consequences of war. Once a unifying occasion, the event now highlights the fractures within Russian society as the country continues to navigate its complex geopolitical landscape.

Ivan Nechepurenko, based in Moscow, covers Russia and surrounding regions, providing insight into these developments.