Russia’s Military Parade: Exhaustion from War of Aggression Becomes Evident

Editorial

16:19 JST, May 13, 2026

It can be said that the event laid bare that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, now in its fifth year, has severely weakened Russia’s own national strength. Russia must put an end to this futile war.

Russia held a military parade in Moscow’s Red Square to commemorate the former Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany.

In his speech, Russian President Vladimir Putin said his country will “overcome all challenges,” emphasizing his intention to continue its aggression against Ukraine.

The parade has usually served as a stage to showcase Russia’s military strength to those in and outside the country by displaying formations of tanks, missiles and other weapons. However, for the first time since the aggression began in 2022, no military weapons were shown. This is extremely unusual.

It is said to be due to concerns over Ukrainian drone attacks, but it is likely not the only reason. Russia has lost many tanks and other equipment in combat. The reality is that the military likely lacks the spare capacity to transport critical equipment from the front lines for the ceremony.

On the front lines, Russia is being forced into a war of attrition. Particularly in eastern Ukraine, a major battlefield, it has failed to achieve significant gains, while casualties continue to increase.

It is obvious that the prolonged aggression is having a severe impact on the people’s lives and economic activities as well.

The Putin administration, wary of growing criticism, is tightening restrictions on social media and mobile communications. Consequently, problems are also occurring with online payment systems.

Against a background of dissatisfaction with internet restrictions and “war fatigue,” Putin’s approval ratings have fallen below 70%, reaching their lowest level since Russia began the aggression.

Now that Russia’s exhaustion is becoming evident, more pressure must be applied to force Moscow to accept a ceasefire. However, it is extremely regrettable that this opportunity has not been capitalized on, as the United States has launched attacks on Iran.

In February, the United States mediated trilateral talks between Russia and Ukraine with the aim of ending the aggression. However, such talks have been suspended due to the attacks on Iran.

Furthermore, as Iran has blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, halting crude oil supplies from the Middle East, there is a growing movement to source crude oil from Russia. The Russian economy has been provided a tailwind as crude oil prices have soared.

In addition, the United States is threatening to suspend a program that allows European nations to transfer weapons purchased from Washington to Ukraine, citing their lack of cooperation regarding the situation in Iran.

U.S. and European arms supplies are essential for Ukraine to continue fighting without yielding to Russia’s aggression. The United States must bring the conflict with Iran to a swift conclusion and work toward a ceasefire in Ukraine.

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 13, 2026)