Russia’s annual Victory Day parade has long symbolized military pride and national unity. This year, however, the celebration looks markedly different. In an interview with Dagbladet, Russia expert Aage Borchgrevink argues that the scaled-down parade reveals deeper challenges facing Vladimir Putin. For the first time in nearly two decades, the Kremlin confirmed that no military vehicles or missile systems will roll across Red Square.
Aage Borchgrevink, senior advisor at the Norwegian Helsinki Committee and author of “Krigsherren i Kreml,” describes the decision as unprecedented.
“It does not look good for Putin. For 25 years, Victory Day has stood at the heart of his identity project, with tanks, aircraft, and marching troops reinforcing his image as a strong and victorious leader. Scaling back the parade undermines that carefully constructed narrative,” said Borchgrevink.
The article outlines several possible explanations for the change. Officials cite security concerns and the risk of Ukrainian drone attacks. Moscow has faced repeated long-range strikes targeting industrial and military sites. Even areas close to the Kremlin have been affected. At the same time, analysts note growing domestic pressures. Aage Borchgrevink points to economic strain, rising prices, and prolonged internet shutdowns that disrupt daily life. He argues that Russia’s civilian economy is struggling while military spending continues. Such pressures, he says, inevitably shape public sentiment.
The broader political context also matters. Victory Day has become a platform to frame the war in Ukraine as a continuation of the Second World War. This messaging seeks to mobilize patriotic support. Yet Aage Borchgrevink believes the current situation signals vulnerability rather than strength. He notes that Russian history shows periods of instability when wars stagnate or fail. In his assessment, the reduced parade sends an unintended message about the Kremlin’s domestic and strategic challenges.
To explore the full interview and Aage Borchgrevink’s expert analysis, read the complete article in Dagbladet via EuropeSays.
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