![]() It has generated an atmosphere of tension in Moscow, with Red Square shut to the public for the last two weeks. Mr Putin also made the unusual decision to host a security council meeting on Friday to discuss the parade planning, with safety concerns high following Wednesday’s drone attack on the Kremlin. Tanks, heavy missiles and columns of marching men in front of a podium containing the Kremlin elite have been the mark of the May 9 parade commemorating the fall of Nazi Germany.īut after 15 months of gruelling warfare, with Russia suffering an estimated 223,000 casualties, including up to 43,000 dead, the event broadcast live on Russian state television is likely to be the most downbeat since 1945.Īlready the March of the Immortals has been cancelled, an event in which Russians carry photographs of World War Two military relatives, over fears that many will hold up pictures of young men who have perished in Ukraine. With the looming day of national unity, the episode was an unedifying sight, especially with Mr Prigozhin’s video rant amid a field of dead Russian Wagner soldiers, and raises further questions over President Vladimir Putin’s authority as well his army’s ability to defend against an expected Ukraine counter-offensive. Mr Prigozhin enlisted the support of Chechen mercenary commander Ramzan Kadyrov and by Sunday it appeared Moscow had caved in, with the Wagner chief producing a Ministry of Defence document stating he would receive the bombs and bullets he had demanded. High command’s authority has been severely undermined by the extraordinary threat made by Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin that unless he was given more ammunition he would withdraw his mercenaries from besieging the town of Bakhmut. Reports have emerged of “growing factionalism” among Russian commanders. But security fears and the impact of huge losses in Ukraine have led to a significantly downgrading, with six regions cancelling their marches. Parades are usually held across the huge country. ![]() On the eve of Tuesday's Victory Parade celebrations, the most important date in the Russian military calendar, its command hierarchy is fractured.
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