Moscow Without Tanks for Victory Day: Fear of Ukrainian Attacks or Lack of Resources?

This year's Victory Day celebrations in Russia, commemorating the end of World War II, are set to be significantly subdued, particularly in Moscow. For the first time in recent memory, the traditional military parade on Red Square will not feature tanks or other heavy military hardware. The Kremlin, through spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, attributes this decision to 'terrorist threats' emanating from Ukraine. However, this official explanation is met with skepticism by many observers and analysts. Austrian historian Markus Reisner points to Ukraine's demonstrated capability to strike deep into Russian territory, suggesting that the risk of a saturation attack on Moscow, even with its air defenses, is a genuine concern. Reisner also posits that the equipment and logistical resources required for such a parade are currently being consumed on the front lines in Ukraine. Military analyst Jan Matvejev offers a nuanced perspective, suggesting that while Russia likely possesses sufficient equipment, the Kremlin may be hesitant to expose it to potential Ukrainian strikes during the parade. Furthermore, Matvejev speculates that, in light of battlefield setbacks, Moscow might wish to avoid drawing undue attention to its military hardware, potentially exacerbating public dissatisfaction. The scaled-back celebrations, including reduced seating and the absence of military vehicles even in St. Petersburg, reflect the profound impact of the ongoing conflict on Russia's domestic landscape and its symbolic national events.

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da je Ukrajina praktično sposobna da pogodi bilo koju metu u zapadnoj Rusiji.