NEWSWATCH New York Times: A Parade Hailing Russia’s WWII Dead and Marching Further From the West

The New York Times covers Russia’s celebration of Victory Day amidst current international tensions.

… Putin has recast what he calls the country’s most important holiday to celebrate the might of the Russian state, the days are over when … Western leaders joined Mr. Putin on the bleachers ….
The nationalistic fervor surrounding the parade and the tensions over Ukraine mean that the United States and most Western countries will be represented by their ambassadors.
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Mr. Putin uses Victory Day to try to demonstrate that Russia remains a formidable contender despite its lost superpower status, and to promulgate the idea that the vast country is a besieged fortress surrounded by enemies. Asked recently about the absence of important Western guests, he expressed indifference but could not resist a swipe at the United States. …

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