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The Conversation
The Conversation
Lena Surzhko Harned, Associate Teaching Professor of Political Science, Penn State

Russia’s pared-down Victory Day parade tells a story: Away from the pomp, war in Ukraine is not going to Putin’s plan

A police boat patrols the waters of the Moskva River near Red Square, which is decorated for the celebration of the 81st anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko

Victory Day in Russia, which marks the surrender of Nazi Germany to the Soviet Union, has long held particular importance in Vladimir Putin’s Russia.

Yet this year the May 9 celebration – usually replete with extensive parades across the country and a demonstration of military hardware in Moscow – is expected to be significantly pared down. That’s due to Kyiv’s ongoing long-range military capabilities. For the first time in two decades, Russian officials have said, there will be no lavish display of tanks and missiles.

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