The ground actually shuddered as the intercontinental ballistic missile launchers thundered past.
They were the final flourish of a 61-strong line-up of military hardware, and seeing the colossal Yars system up close was unnerving to say the least.
And that’s the point. This was a demonstration of military might and menace.
But those watching on in the Red Square lapped it up. Perhaps it’s no surprise they have been immersed in a narrative which presents these weapons of mass destruction as tools to secure peace.
Russia’s Yars intercontinental ballistic missile system. Pic: Reuters
Olga
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Watch Russia’s Victory Day parade – featuring one tank
“It’s wonderful,” Olga told Sky News. “We have a great country, we have a great army and, of course, a great people.
“When our soldiers march across the square, our hearts beat in time with their steps.”
The crowd were offered blankets against the snow and icy wind. While the parade offered a cloak of pomp and patriotism, as a means to justify Russia’s current path of aggression.
Service members taking part in the Victory Day parade. Pic: Reuters
Antonina Korolyova, 102-year-old veteran
Pic: Reuters
There were periodic roars of “hurrah” from the phalanxes of troops; goose-stepping soldiers marched with mesmerising precision; and the military bands pumped out war songs at a volume so loud one could feel the vibrations.
In his speech, Vladimir Putin portrayed Russia as an iron fist in a velvet glove.
“Russia will do everything to prevent a global clash, but at the same time we will not allow anyone to threaten us”, he said.
Peace, but on our terms.
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Russian service members and cadets during the march. Pic: Reuters
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Comparisons between the war in Ukraine and the defeat of Nazi Germany were expected, but it felt like the latter almost took a back seat.
The letter Z, which has become a symbol of Russia’s invasion, was everywhere in the crowd – on hats, badges and rosettes.
Even those who took part in the original conflict have bought into it.
“Of course we will win, this is certain,” 102-year-old Antonina, who served as a medic, told Sky News. “No matter how many wars there are, the Russians always win.”
“It’s all because of the United States of America”, said 99-year-old Anatoly.
Back 79 years ago, of course, it was very different indeed.
Vladimir Putin (right) with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (centre), and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov (left). Pic: Reuters
Russian Su-25 jet aircraft during the parade. Pic: Reuters
Moscow was on the same side as those it now views as enemies and it wasn’t so long ago that Britain, France and the US would send representatives to the Red Square parade.
Among the guests of honour this time – the leaders of Turkmenistan, Cuba and Guinea-Bissau.
It’s a reflection of Russia’s increasing isolation, but many here clearly don’t mind.
