#Victory day us full#

This year's Victory Day comes amid widespread speculation, in both Russia and the West, that Putin is eager to declare at least a symbolic win in Ukraine.

Under Russian President Vladimir Putin, the May 9 event has grown in scale and political prominence, with a Soviet-style military parade on Moscow's Red Square featuring a presidential address. MOSCOW - Russians celebrate Victory Day on Monday, an annual event to mark the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II that has taken on added intrigue and import this year because of Russia's fight in Ukraine. 'We've seen the Russians really double down on their propaganda efforts, probably, almost certainly, as a means to distract from their tactical and strategic failures on the battlefield in Ukraine,' Price said.Tanks roll during a rehearsal on Thursday for the May 9 Victory Day military parade to take place at Palace Square in St.

#Victory day us full#

Russian forces can also lead the major push for Odessa in the south or declare full control over the southern port city of Mariupol.Įarlier, even the United States State Department spokesperson Ned Price said on Monday there is “good reason to believe that the Russians will do everything they can to use' May 9 for propaganda purposes. Among other options, Putin can mark a statement on 'Victory Day' by annexing the regions already ruled by pro-Russain separatists in Luhansk and Donetsk in eastern Ukraine. Putin can also impose a martial law in Russia which would lead to the suspension of elections and further concentrate the power in his hands. He also said that it could still be possible for Putin to enact the mobilisation law without officially declaring war on Ukraine. 'If they declare full-scale mobilization some people wouldn't like it,' said Ignatov, as per the report. READ | In Pics: Russia strikes Ukrainian cities as civilians seek evacuation The extensive suffering and sacrifice in the World War II-era are known to have left a deep scar on Russia’s psyche. The Soviet Union is reported to have lost a staggering 27 million people in what is called the 'Great Patriotic War'. Usually, Russia celebrates the day by organising a military parade in Moscow and Russian leaders traditionally even stand on the tomb of Vladimir Lenin in Red Square to observe the day. Known as 'Victory Day', May 9 commemorates the Soviet Union defeating Nazi Germany during World War II in 1945. But what really does May 9 mean for Russia? What is May 9? Now, while the conflict has already lasted for 70 days, Western officials and analysts reportedly believe that Moscow could use the significance of 'Victory Day' on May 9 and formally declare a war which would pave the way for Vladimir Putin’s government to ramp up its offensive in Ukraine. In the so-called operation, Ukraine has repeatedly claimed that Russia bombed civilian structures in the former Soviet Union country. Russia announced the “special military operation” on February 24 in Ukraine, without declaring a formal war in the neighbouring country. With Russia readying to mark its 'Victory Day' on May 9 amid the Moscow-Kyiv conflict, Western officials remain concerned over the change in narrative that Kremlin can announce on the country’s symbolic day.