In a spectacle marking the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat, Russia is gearing up for a massive military parade in Moscow, showcasing its armed forces to emphasize national pride and global influence. Slated for Friday, this event will see visiting world leaders and is touted as the largest show of military strength since the Ukraine invasion in 2022.

The Kremlin sees this celebration as a way to rally support for the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, blending the historical victory narrative with current geopolitical tensions. "Our great victory 80 years ago shapes the narrative against the West today," shared Sergei Lyaguzin, a political analyst on state TV.

However, behind the scenes, Russia faces significant issues. The military's progress is sluggish, the economy is struggling with oil prices falling, and potential shifts in U.S. policy towards President Putin’s leadership loom. “They believe resilience will win,” noted Alexander Kolyandr, an expert on Russian economy, highlighting a sentiment of endurance rather than outright victory.

While the parade aims to project strength, many observers question whether such displays can truly mask the troubling realities facing the country on both the battlefield and the economic front.