Putin’s victory day message: A display of power and resources behind Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine

By Burnett Munthali

On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin stood at the heart of Moscow’s Red Square, flanked by his generals and top political allies, as he led the country in commemorating Victory Day, the annual celebration of the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II.

This year’s event, however, was not simply a remembrance of past glories—it became a carefully orchestrated spectacle aimed at underlining Russia’s present-day military prowess and resilience in the face of international condemnation and economic sanctions.

President Putin seized the occasion to remind the world—and perhaps more importantly, his domestic audience—that Russia remains a formidable force, drawing strength from its vast resources, historical legacy, and strategic resolve.

As Russia’s war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, the symbolism of Victory Day carries a weight that goes beyond remembrance; it becomes a tool for justification and propaganda, reinforcing the Kremlin’s narrative of a righteous struggle against perceived Western aggression.

Standing before rows of uniformed soldiers and a parade of military hardware, Putin cast the war in Ukraine as a continuation of the great patriotic effort that defeated fascism nearly eight decades ago.

He invoked themes of sacrifice, unity, and national destiny—terms that resonate deeply in the Russian psyche and are frequently used to rally support for military campaigns.

More than mere rhetoric, the event showcased the very resources—military, economic, and ideological—that have sustained Russia’s war effort despite global opposition.

Tanks, ballistic missiles, and warplanes rolled across the square, signaling that Russia’s war machine remains operational and well-supplied, even as Western nations tighten sanctions and provide weapons to Ukraine.

Putin’s message was clear: while the world seeks to isolate Russia, the country has not only endured but also continued to project power through a robust defense industry and an economy that has adapted to wartime demands.

Much of this endurance comes from the energy and mineral wealth that underpins the Russian economy—resources that have helped stabilize the ruble, maintain government spending, and finance military operations.

Despite sanctions, Russia has found new trade partners and alternate markets, especially in Asia, to cushion the blow of Western economic penalties.

In his speech, Putin painted Russia as a bulwark of stability and sovereignty in a chaotic world, often framing the war in Ukraine as part of a broader civilizational conflict.

By invoking the memory of World War II, the Kremlin seeks to draw moral parallels between past and present, casting today’s Russian soldiers as heirs to those who defeated fascism.

This framing allows Putin to sidestep international criticisms of aggression and focus instead on narratives of defense, sacrifice, and historical justice.

However, the message also reflects a deeper reliance on nationalist sentiment to shore up support at home, where public discourse is increasingly shaped by state-controlled media and government-approved messaging.

The ongoing militarization of Victory Day—a holiday once solely about remembrance—illustrates how war and memory have become intertwined in modern Russia.

In presenting the country’s military might on such a symbolic day, Putin not only honors the past but legitimizes the present conflict as a noble and necessary endeavor.

Yet, beneath the pageantry, there lies a strategic calculation: Victory Day becomes a platform to project strength, dissuade dissent, and demonstrate to both friends and foes that Russia will not yield.

In doing so, Putin asserts control over the historical narrative, ensuring that memory serves the state, and that the sacrifices of the past are harnessed to sustain the ambitions of the present.

As the war in Ukraine drags on, the fusion of history, power, and propaganda becomes increasingly central to Russia’s identity and posture on the global stage.

Putin’s Victory Day speech, then, was not merely a tribute to the past but a declaration of intent—a signal that Russia, armed with both memory and material might, is prepared to press forward, undeterred and unbowed.