At Moscow’s 80th anniversary parade commemorating the end of World War Two, the Russian dictatorship inadvertently highlighted the dire state of its military industry. Speaking on 9 May, Ukrainian Lieutenant Colonel and military TV presenter Serhii Mysiora delivered a blunt assessment of what he called Russia’s “equipment parade of shame.”
Comparing this year’s event to the 2015 parade, Mysiora noted that Russia had previously showcased new military platforms such as the Armata tank, Koalitsiya-SV artillery, and advanced armoured vehicles like the Kurganets and Boomerang. In stark contrast, this year’s offering included outdated equipment such as the TOS-2 Tosochka, which has been in combat for over a year, and two wheeled self-propelled guns—the Malva and the 152mm-calibre Giatsint.
Mysiora mocked these as “recycled weapons,” noting they were based on Soviet-era barrels that are 40 years old and mounted on 20-year-old chassis. Even the much-hyped Armata and Koalitsiya units failed to appear—“not even for show,” he said. The absence of the Su-57 aircraft, branded as a fifth-generation fighter, was equally telling. “They could not even pretend anymore. The whole world is laughing,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has taken strides in building modern artillery during the full invasion, notably the 155mm Bohdana self-propelled howitzer, produced domestically.
Despite attempts at grandeur, the Moscow event laid bare the decay within the Russian military system. Even Russia’s air component failed to deliver anything meaningful. “This country is fake, no doubt about it,” Mysiora concluded.
Adding to the absurdity of the day, a drone strike reportedly hit the Belgorod regional government building, injuring the deputy governor and a Russian National Guard officer.
On the same day, Ukraine’s newly formed Phoenix Regiment, a drone warfare unit under the State Border Guard Service, dealt devastating blows to Russian positions in the east. Operating with advanced drone strike capability, the regiment destroyed a Russian tank, an Msta-B howitzer, multiple ammunition depots and over a dozen military trucks. The unit also neutralised enemy artillery positions and personnel in the Kharkiv region.
The victory parade was attended by leaders from around 29 nations, including controversial figures such as Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko.
Criticism followed swiftly. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned any leader applauding the Russian dictator amid a war that has killed or wounded more than a million. He called the act a disgrace and shameful, particularly while Russia continues to bomb hospitals, daycares and civilian areas.
