Another Victory Day without a victory

On May 9 Russia celebrated Victory Day. As in 2022, there were no glorious victories to report. In contrast to the usual grand shows advertising the country’s military power, this year’s parade seemed to have the motto “less is more”. The flypast was cancelled. The number of troops was modest. A lone Soviet T-34 tank … Continue reading Another Victory Day without a victory →

Strategically unimpressive: Putin’s speech on May 9

Putin speaks at Victory Day parade. Hardly any speech had been so anticipated recently as Putin’s address at the military parade on May 9, and hardly any has been met with so much disappointment. The world expected some big gestures — from announcing general mobilization to committing suicide in public. Instead, we heard a rather … Continue reading Strategically unimpressive: Putin’s speech on May 9 →