2024-05-11 08:13:17
Despite considerable restrictions, the traditional military parade in Moscow again showed the symbolism known from previous years. “It is an action that resonates in Russian society and connects the historical legacy of the Soviet victory in World War II with the present,” says Michal Smetana, a security analyst from the Faculty of Social Sciences of Charles University.
Spotlight News – Michal Smetana. | Video: Oldrich Neumann
Although there was less military equipment and personnel on display at this year’s parade, during which it unusually snowed and the mercury touched zero, according to the analyst, it still has significance for the Kremlin: “A number of important personalities, both from Russian political life and from Russia’s remaining international allies. As a propaganda campaign, it undoubtedly still works, or rather, it certainly has some effect on those segments of the population that Vladimir Putin is targeting.”
According to Smetana, the Russian army is limited, especially in terms of weapons: “Now it is forced to pull old equipment from its warehouses, because the losses are really huge. But Russia still has a greater advantage in terms of manpower, i.e. the men it is able to send to front. But these are not well-trained, well-equipped, well-commanded or well-motivated units,” says Smetana.
In an opening speech before the parade, President Vladimir Putin said Russia would do everything to avoid a global conflict. “I definitely believe that Russia does not want a global conflict, because it would probably not turn out well. But if it wanted to do everything for it, it would not start a war in Ukraine, which really has the potential to escalate into a world conflict,” comments Putin the words security analyst.