Russia’s meagre Victory Day parade showed a much reduced military display. President Putin also looked pressed on all sides but one – his own. This is the last stand of what was meant to be a grand display of might. Albeit Russia has invested time and financial muscle into its new arrangements, Ukraine is proving to be a tough battle front.
The weight of world diplomacy is on the side of the smaller in this David and Goliath struggle. But, agreements have to lead to arrangements that are acceptable far beyond the regions that have been closed in on by Russians. The balance of power is also tested and stretched in these moments, and much interest has to translate into effective planning and its flawless execution.
Russia isn’t necessarily in as stable a position as it believes itself to be. The metrics suggest territorial integrity but gaps in its strategic approach may mean retrenchment is an option it has to choose soon. Kyiv is a willing aggressor if it feels pushed, and its forces haven’t been depleted as far as Russia would have hoped at this point. The only move now is a retreat for dignity’s own sake.