For years, President Vladimir Putin has used Russia’s Victory Day parade to show off its weapons, accentuate his dominance, and deliver narratives on World War II and the present. This year is different, with Russia's struggles in Ukraine in focus amid signs his authority at home is "in decline."

The Russian leader used his annual speech to justify his so-called special military operation in Ukraine.

The parade this year had no tanks or other military equipment rolling through Moscow's Red Square amid threats from Ukraine.