Victory Day celebrations mask simmering tensions inside Putin’s Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin presided over a scaled-down Victory Day parade, underscoring unity amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Despite showcasing military might, internal strife loomed as a bribery scandal rocked the Defense Ministry. Putin hailed soldiers' sacrifices while framing the conflict as a continuation of WWII against "neo-Nazism" in Ukraine. The parade's subdued tone reflects the prioritization of front-line needs over ceremonial display, amidst simmering tensions within Russian society.
**Infighting and Corruption Allegations Cast Shadow Over Victory Day Parade**
Amid Russia's showcase of military might during the pared-back Victory Day parade, a bribery scandal within the Defense Ministry deepens. Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov, embroiled in the controversy, denies involvement and vows to provide detailed testimony. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu's participation in the parade raises questions amid speculation of power struggles within the Kremlin. The arrest of Shoigu's protégé highlights concerns over pervasive corruption within the Russian military, adding an uncomfortable layer to the day's events.
**Corruption Allegations Surround Russian Defense Ministry's Role in Mariupol Reconstruction**
Amid the fallout from the bribery scandal, scrutiny intensifies on Ivanov's oversight of projects like the Mariupol reconstruction, a focal point of Russian propaganda. Visual investigations suggest subpar workmanship, fueling suspicions of fund diversion by Russian contractors. Despite US and EU sanctions, Ivanov's ex-partner's opulent lifestyle draws attention, notably from the Anti-Corruption Foundation. Navalny's death hasn't deterred the Foundation's anti-corruption efforts, underscoring ongoing challenges to Putin's regime.
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