**Russia‘s Victory Day Parade: A Show of Strength and Divided World**
On May 9, Russia celebrated its annual Victory Day parade in Moscow, drawing a large number of international leaders to the event. Despite years of sanctions, two dozen world leaders attended the parade, allowing Russian President Vladimir Putin to showcase his country’s military might and diplomatic influence.
The parade was seen as a significant moment for Putin, who has been trying to reassert Russia’s position on the global stage. Experts say that the event sent a strong signal to the West, positioning Russia as an important player in international affairs. Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, noted that the parade was a message from Putin that he sets the rules in international politics.
“It is positioning of Russia as an important part of the world,” Stanovaya said in an interview. “If you want this war to end, you must stop the Ukrainians,” emphasizing that the conflict will continue on Russia’s terms. This statement highlights the Kremlin’s firm stance on Ukraine and its refusal to negotiate with the West.
**Weakening Alliances and Shifting Global Power**
The attendance of world leaders at the parade also reflects the weakening alliance between the US and Europe. As peace talks in Ukraine are largely being conducted on Russia’s terms, Putin is taking advantage of President Donald Trump‘s foreign policy shift and the decline of the global rules-based order.
“Putin, alongside Xi, is presenting himself as a leader in a new world order no longer dominated by the United States,” The Washington Post reported. However, experts caution that this development does not mean Russia will suddenly become a partner to the West. Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Eurasia Center in Russia, noted that despite Trump’s efforts to improve relations with Putin, Russia will continue its confrontation with the West under Putin.
“No matter what efforts Trump makes, Russia under Putin will never be a country that does not pose a threat to Europe and the United States,” Gabuev said. This assessment underscores the enduring nature of tensions between Russia and the West.
**Russia’s Military Might on Display**
The parade also showcased Russia’s military capabilities, including Iskander ballistic missiles, drones, Tornado-S multiple launch systems, and heavy flamethrower systems. The display of Yars missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons further emphasizes Russia’s seriousness about the conflict in Ukraine.
As the world struggles to understand the implications of Putin’s actions, one thing is clear: Russia’s Victory Day parade was a deliberate attempt to assert its strength on the international stage.
