Parade shows Russia's military strength

World
Europe

Russia's annual parade to mark the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany during World War II took place on Moscow's Red Square on Wednesday. Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, attended the military display and addressed the crowd with a speech.

Each year, the demonstration of weaponry always grabs people's focus during the parade. One of the most note-worthy points of the event is discovering the newest and most advanced weapons that the Russian military is equipped with.

Dmitry Stefanovich, a fellow at the Russian International Affairs Council, and an independent expert in the field of International Affairs, Strategic Stability, Military Technology and Conflicts, said "every year, there are some slight differences in the demonstration of the most capable and newest systems."

One example is the BMPT, which is a fire support vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with two 2A42 30mm machine guns and four 9M120 "ATAKA-V" supersonic anti-tank missiles. This powerful weapon is expected to effectively deal with local infantry and armored equipment.

May 9, 2018: A BMPT Terminator armored fighting vehicle rolls down Moscow's Red Square during a Victory Day military parade marking the 73rd anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War, the Eastern Front of World War II. / VCG Photo

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, most of the weaponry displayed has been tested in the field in Syria.

In addition, given Russia has long been contained in diplomacy, economy and culture by western countries, the parade, which features approximately 13,000 personnel, has got attention from all over the world.

Concerning the current relations between Russia and the US, Stefanovich said the parade has transmitted a clear sign that a military invasion of the Russian Federation is impossible, and Russia is ready for talks with its partners.

"We need to form stronger partnerships with other countries around the world. The significance of the Victory Parade is a reminder for us to never forget the trauma and pain of the war. But our contributions to the country have made us stronger," Putin said in his speech.

For other countries, the annual parade might be viewed as a tradition, but it has a crucial significance for the Russian families who suffered devastating losses during the Second World War. Besides for being a show of strength, the 73th anniversary of the victory parade is a moment for remembering history.