Russia’s Victory Day parade: Only one tank on display as Vladimir Putin says country is going through a ‘difficult period’ | World News

Russia only displayed one tank during its Victory Day parade this year.

Each year, Moscow is wrapped in patriotic pageantry for Victory Day, a celebration of its victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

Today marks the 79th anniversary and Putin addressed the parade in Red Square, speaking of his country’s military capabilities in a speech aimed at both a foreign and domestic audience.

Vladimir Putin used his Victory Day speech this year to try to warn that Russian fighting forces were “always ready” but admitted the country was going through a “difficult period.”

Only one tank was present at the Moscow parade throughout the entire display, as the country continues to devote considerable firepower and resources to its war in Ukraine.

The only one present was the T34 tank from World War II, just like last year.

The delayed 2020 parade reportedly had more than 20 tanks present, compared to just one in 2023 and one in 2024.

Other armored vehicles were photographed as thousands of military personnel marched during the parade.

During this year’s speech, Putin admitted that Russia was going through a “difficult period” as “the future of the homeland depends on us.”

“Today, on Victory Day, we are even more aware of this,” he said before warning: “Our strategic forces are always ready for combat.”

The Kremlin leader also said Russia’s nuclear forces were always ready for combat, as he addressed massive ranks of Russian military personnel.

Mr. Putin, who this week began his fifth termHe said Russia would do everything it could to avoid a global confrontation, but would not allow anyone to threaten it.

He also used the speech to send a message to Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, trying to boost their morale as the war continues to drag on.

And he concluded: “For Russia! For victory! Hooray!” while thousands of soldiers applauded in return.

Earlier this year, Russia began reconditioning old tanks after losing 3,000 while fighting in Ukraine, according to a leading research center.

Moscow lost more than its entire active tank inventory before the invasion in its war with Ukraine, but has enough lower-quality armored vehicles in storage for years of replacements, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) said.

But even after such losses, the IISS said Russia still had about twice as many combat-ready troops as Ukraine.

Since coming to power, Putin has made May 9 an important part of his political agenda, with displays of military might.

Columns of military vehicles and missiles cross Red Square each year and squadrons of fighter jets roar overhead as medal-adorned veterans join him in reviewing the parade.

Many wear the black and orange St. George ribbon that is traditionally associated with Victory Day.