NewsRussia's Victory Day Parade: Showcasing Might or Military Relics?

Russia's Victory Day Parade: Showcasing Might or Military Relics?

Old tanks at the Victory Day parade in Khabarovsk

Images source: © X

6 May 2024 17:01

Preparations are underway for military parades across several Russian cities to celebrate Victory Day. On May 9th, residents will glimpse military hardware parading through the streets. Recent rehearsal photos from Khabarovsk suggest that the Russian military might not have much to boast about this year. Tanks that have long been past their prime were featured in the parade.

In several Russian towns, work is being done on military parades associated with Victory Day. This event is dedicated to commemorating "the victory of the Soviet troops over Nazism." Over the years, the Kremlin has taken advantage of this occasion to display its military capabilities and showcase its most advanced equipment. Recently, however, the narrative seems to have shifted.

Images showing preparations for the parade in Khabarovsk have surfaced online, revealing tanks that are hardly a point of pride. Photographs shared on Telegram indicate that the parade will include, among others, T-62M, T-72B (1989), and T-80BVM tanks — essentially, relics suitable for a museum.

Tanks designed in the 1950s and put into production in the 1960s were first showcased publicly in 1965. These models were officially retired from service in 2013. Nevertheless, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and subsequent equipment shortages, it was decided to reincorporate them into active duty.

Another tank highlighted in the photographs is the T-72B, one of the most prevalent models within the Russian military. This model was introduced to the Russian armed forces in 1985. The parade in Khabarovsk will also feature the T-80BVM, which represents one of the latest iterations of the T-80 tank family and is currently being used on the front in Ukraine.

Before the Victory Parade, Moscow strengthens its defences

Moscow is not only preparing for the parade but also enhancing the capital's defences. Anton Gerashchenko, an advisor to the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs, has mentioned that Russia plans to deploy additional air defence measures over Moscow on May 9th, including drone jamming.

Police have been tasked with conducting searches of all residential buildings near the event locations, ensuring the safety of those attending the ceremony.