Russia-Ukraine war: Putin says conflict is 'coming to an end' in Victory Day speech

Key Concepts

• Victory Day: A major Russian national holiday commemorating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
• Special Military Operation: The official Russian term for the ongoing war in Ukraine.
• NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization): The Western military alliance that Russia characterizes as an "aggressive force" supporting Ukraine.
• CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States): A regional intergovernmental organization in Eurasia that includes several former Soviet republics.
• Strategic Sovereignty: The framing of the Ukraine conflict as a necessary struggle for Russia’s national security and independence.

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Victory Day Commemoration and Rhetoric

President Vladimir Putin utilized the annual Victory Day parade on Red Square to frame the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as a continuation of the Soviet Union’s existential struggle against Nazi Germany. By drawing these historical parallels, Putin positioned the "special military operation" as a defensive necessity for Russia’s sovereignty against an "aggressive force" backed by NATO.

Military Parade Adjustments and Security

The 2024 parade was notably more restrained compared to previous years. Key observations regarding the event include:

• Hardware Absence: Traditional displays of heavy military equipment, such as columns of tanks and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), were omitted.
• Security Measures: The event was marked by exceptionally tight security, including heavy police deployments and intermittent shutdowns of mobile internet services across Moscow.
• International Participation: Despite the conflict, the parade featured soldiers from North Korea alongside Russian troops, signaling Moscow's intent to maintain international military and political partnerships.

Diplomatic Context and Ceasefire Status

The event occurred against the backdrop of a U.S.-brokered three-day ceasefire. Key diplomatic developments mentioned include:

• Prisoner Swaps: President Putin acknowledged U.S. efforts to facilitate a ceasefire but stated that Ukraine had failed to reciprocate regarding prisoner exchange proposals.
• Retaliation Policy: The Kremlin noted that because Kyiv did not attempt to disrupt the Red Square parade, Russia refrained from retaliatory strikes during the ceasefire period.
• Bilateral Engagements: On the sidelines of the event, Putin held discussions with several international leaders, including Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, the King of Malaysia (Sultan Ibrahim), and leaders from various CIS states, aiming to project an image of diplomatic stability despite Western isolation.

Strategic Outlook

President Putin expressed a belief that the war in Ukraine is approaching an end. The Kremlin continues to utilize the Victory Day platform as a dual-purpose instrument:

1. Commemoration: Honoring the historical sacrifices of the Soviet people during World War II.
2. National Unity: Demonstrating domestic cohesion and resolve during the current period of conflict.

Conclusion

The 2024 Victory Day parade served as a calculated display of Russian resilience and historical continuity. While the event was physically scaled back—likely due to security concerns and the diversion of military assets to the front lines—the rhetoric remained focused on framing the Ukraine conflict as a vital struggle for national security. By hosting foreign dignitaries and emphasizing the "end" of the war, the Kremlin sought to project strength and international relevance despite the ongoing tensions with Western powers.