Steve Rosenberg: This year’s Victory Day parade in Moscow felt very different
The BBC’s Russia editor reports from a Red Square with none of the military hardware which the Kremlin normally showcases to project power internationally.
Sad to see Red Square without the usual tanks and missiles—Putin’s showing weakness, not strength, by hiding the military hardware.
The absence of foreign leaders at the parade really underscores how isolated Russia has become since the invasion of Ukraine.
I bet the Kremlin is worried about protests or security issues, hence the scaled-back display. Victory Day is supposed to be about pride, not fear.
Interesting that they still showed the Immortal Regiment march. That’s the one part of the day that feels genuine and connects to ordinary people’s loss.