Putin's Pitiful Parade Reflects War Struggles

This editorial from Dagens Nyheter analyzes the recent Victory Day parade in Moscow, arguing that its lackluster nature reflects the deteriorating state of Russia's war effort in Ukraine. Now exceeding four years, the conflict has shifted from a predicted 72-hour operation to a prolonged struggle impacting Russian society. The article highlights Ukraine's successful reclamation of territory and deep drone strikes against Russian oil infrastructure and logistics, which have caused significant domestic disruption. Despite increased oil revenues linked to geopolitical shifts involving Donald Trump and Iran, daily life in Moscow is increasingly affected by infrastructure failures, internet shutdowns, and economic instability. The piece notes that the Russian middle class can no longer ignore the war's consequences, including high casualty rates estimated at 350,000 soldiers. Furthermore, the narrative describes a symbolic humiliation where Ukrainian President Zelenskyy sarcastically 'allowed' the parade to proceed during a temporary truce, underscoring Kyiv's growing strategic leverage and the crumbling facade of normalcy within Russia.