Modest display or telling the tale? Moscow's pared-back Victory Parade

Although this year's Victory Parade on Red Square in Moscow was planned on a larger scale than last year's, observers pointed out the lack of armoured units. As they noted, again, only one tank appeared - the old T-34-85, the history and performance we recall.

The T-34 tanks were produced between 1940 and 1957. They were manufactured not only in the USSR but also in Poland and Czechoslovakia. In today's terms, they are considered archaic, showing no real combat value on the battlefield. Despite this, several were also seen during the conflict in Ukraine, which some observers and experts viewed as almost an act of desperation by the Russian authorities.

At the time, the T-34 aimed to match the Western Panther and Tiger tanks. The T-34-85 variants, produced from 1944 onwards, weigh around 32 tonnes and are powered by a 500 hp engine, allowing speeds up to about 55 km/h. Their armour, made from welded rolled plates, and outdated arsenal, including the 1944 ZiS-S-53 85 mm gun, hardly compare to modern tanks. Moreover, the T-34-85 lacks many advanced optical and electronic systems in later models.

"The visible T-34, a legendary Soviet tank from World War II, was the only Russian tank displayed today at the Victory Day parade on Red Square. Others must be busy somewhere," – commented Max Seddon, head of the "Financial Times" Moscow bureau, quoted by the magazine "Newsweek". The Russians themselves, however, present the exhibited vehicle as a "symbol of victory over Nazism".

The Kremlin tried hard to avoid a repeat of last year. The Victory Parade then became a "parade of shame," evidenced by many mocking comments on social media. In the weeks leading up to the parade, Western trophies captured in Ukraine, including the latest Abrams and Leopard 2A6 tanks, were brought to Moscow for several days of special exhibitions.

During the climax of the Victory Parade, more Russian weapons were presented than last year. Yet, as the independent Russian channel Mozhem Obyasnit noted, the 61 pieces of military equipment showcased at this year's parade were still over three times fewer than in 2021.

Russians showcased, among other things, S-400 anti-aircraft systems and Iskander-M missile systems capable of carrying nuclear payloads. Several aircraft, including the Su-30 and Su-25, also took to the skies. However, heavily armoured vehicles were missing. Just like last year, only one tank was paraded through Red Square—the aforementioned T-34 from World War II.

Many experts emphasize that this year's modest parade is further evidence of the issues faced by Russia related to the conflict in Ukraine. Commentators believe that the war initiated by Putin continues to deplete significant resources of his military. This is particularly evident in tanks; for example, T-90 Proryvs, which Vladimir Putin has claimed to be the world's best tanks, are being destroyed on the front lines. Meanwhile, the so-called superweapon, T-14 Armata tanks, are notably absent from the conflict in Ukraine.

- "It is now embarrassing for the Russian authorities to send Armata tanks to the parade. Someone might start asking uncomfortable questions," stated Jan Matwiejew, an analyst connected with the late Russian opposition leader, Alexei Navalny.

The Moscow authorities rarely disclose information about the military casualties and the loss of equipment their forces have incurred in Ukraine. In February, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) estimated that over 3,000 tanks, 5,600 armoured vehicles, and infantry fighting vehicles were lost.