In Moscow, a restricted parade which illustrates Putin’s “moment of vulnerability”

“A mini-parade in a dark red square… observed from Italy The Republic. “A restricted parade… confirms the British daily The Guardian, while in the United States, the New York Times évoque, “a less muscular Victory Day†than usual, which would show “the growing vulnerability of Vladimir Putinâ€.

From Rome, to New York via London, the observation is the same on this Saturday, May 9. The famous annual parade which takes place in Moscow to celebrate the victory of the USSR over Nazi Germany was subdued this year. “The event was organized in fear of a Ukrainian attack, kyiv having shown that it was capable of striking at very long distances with its drones and its new Flamingo missiles†, explain The Republic, before recalling that Vladimir Putin’s security was guaranteed by a ceasefire between Moscow and kyiv announced yesterday by Donald Trump. A truce which very much resembled “a concession from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky†, comments the Italian daily.

No exhibition of tanks and missiles therefore. Unlike previous years. “Instead, guests were shown a video presenting Russia’s drone and nuclear capabilities†, note The Guardian, which indicates that the parade “lasted about 45 minutes, about half as long as in previous years†. Néanmoins, Vladimir Putin did not fail to take the floor to address the public and salute the courage of the Russian soldiers of the Second World War, a source of inspiration for the troops who today “face an aggressive force armed and supported by the entire NATO blocâ€declared the head of the Kremlin before promising victory. “A speech full of confidence†, who can’t hide “the moment of great vulnerability faced by the Russian president†, decides the British newspaper.

“No desire to reach a compromiseâ€

“With no victory in sight and no prospect of an end to the current war, the morale of the Russian population is deteriorating, insists the progressive daily. Massive Internet shutdowns imposed by security services in the weeks leading up to the parade fueled public anger and caused Putin’s popularity to plummet.â€

Beyond these last few weeks, the London media describes a Russia in difficulty, with an economy “showing signs of fatigueâ€. “Growth has slowed sharply, inflation is galloping, weighing on both Russian citizens and businesses, while the budget deficit is reaching record levels… castigates The Guardian. The progressive daily also mentions a situation on the military ground in Ukraine which is generally blocked, without significant progress on either side. But despite this, “There are no signs of Putin’s desire to reach a compromiseâ€.

As recalled by New York Timessince the start of the war in Ukraine, “In the past four years, Putin has overcome multiple crises that led to predictions of the imminent collapse of his regime…. Like the first counter-offensive of the kyiv army, which had regained numerous territories, or the revolt of Yevgeny Prigojine, boss of the Wagner Group mercenaries.

Thus, despite a certain discontent which seems to be spreading among the population and the elites, we must not forget that Putin knows how to be patient in the midst of the storm, warns Russian political scientist Tatiana Stanovaya in the columns of the American media: “It can last a very long time. And then, sometimes, he gives a warning about something and suddenly takes action. As was the case with this war.â€