Mixed Emotions on Victory Day in Russia

The two military veterans seated next to President Vladimir Putin at the Victory Day parade did not fight in World War II, but were former members of the Soviet secret police. Putin was flanked by former NKVD agent Yuri Dvoikin and former KGB officer Gennady Zaitsev. During his speech, Putin likened Russia's invasion of Ukraine to the Soviet Union's fight in World War II. This year's military parade featured less equipment and fewer soldiers than in previous years due to heavy losses in the ongoing war.