Putin now wants to cover up his losses

In Russia, solemn military parades are usually held around the country on May 9: it is “Victory Day” – the national holiday commemorating the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in 1945. But now the Kremlin is taking an unusual step .

The Russian leadership led by President Vladimir Putin has canceled a series of parades in several major cities, most notably in Kursk and Belgorod oblasts, both of which border Ukraine north of Kharkiv. This is reported by the American think tank Atlantic Council. Celebrations on the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula have also been cancelled.

The official reason

Officially, the Kremlin cited security concerns as the reason for the cancellation. However, it is speculated that the lack of tanks is the reason for this move. In this way, the Kremlin wants to prevent the magnitude of the recent losses in Ukraine, which the Russian power apparatus always tries to cover up, from becoming visible to the general public.

According to the British secret service, the Russian leadership is finding it increasingly difficult to convey the war in Ukraine to its own people.

According to the British Ministry of Defence’s brief report, Russian President Vladimir Putin places the “special military operation” in the context of the Soviet experience in World War II.

Lots of dead soldiers

On “Victory Day” fallen soldiers are also remembered and veterans who are still alive are honored. According to London, honoring the fallen of previous generations could easily reveal the magnitude of the losses. This message could also become increasingly uncomfortable with the many Russians who have direct insight into the failing “operation” in Ukraine.

Looking back over the past year, President Putin had a much easier time inspiring the populace with victory celebrations on May 9: on the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Far East, on Sakhalin Island, in the great city of Vladivostok on the Pacific Ocean and elsewhere, hundreds of soldiers took part in parades commemorating the Great Patriotic War. The Ministry of Defense in Moscow has published numerous photos.

In the capital Moscow alone, 11,000 soldiers marched across Red Square, followed by tanks and rocket launchers. At the start of the parade, Putin addressed his people – and used the commemoration for propaganda purposes.

The British Ministry of Defense has published daily information on the course of the war since the beginning of the Russian offensive war against Ukraine, citing intelligence information. With this, the British government wants to both counter the Russian image and keep allies in line. Moscow accuses London of a disinformation campaign.

Sources

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(t-online/dsc)