Putin's Mighty Patriotic Force Overwhelms Doubts About Russia's Power

When it comes to demonstrating the Russian people how large and gleaming their navy and military forces are, no cost is spared. Consider the loss of the Moskva, Russia's main battleship in the Black Sea, in April. Ukraine's defense ministry reported a direct hit; Russia reported a fire onboard.

This is a severe blow to Russia's prestige as well as its Black Sea capabilities. It is also not the Black Sea fleet's sole defeat, as it faces a Ukrainian navy that has been drastically reduced since the invasion of Crimea and is mostly walled inside its ports, much like its commercial vessels.

Russia's blockade of the Black Sea has been a tremendous strategic victory, forcing Ukraine to mine itself in.

Stasis at Ukraine's ports has left vast swaths of the world without grain, but also fertilizer, sunflower oil, and a slew of other products that would have poured desperately needed cash into the Ukrainian economy.

Despite the grain agreement reached in Istanbul, no ship has yet to set sail. It reflects a significant lack of trust in Russia's intentions, particularly after its missile strike on the port of Odesa with the writing on the treaty barely dry.

Today Putin promised more heavy weapons. In the coming months, Russia's armed services will get the much-touted Tsirkon hypersonic missile.

The missile will be sent to the Admiral Gorshkov frigate, which has already tested it. Tsirkon missile systems will have "no equal in the world," according to Putin.

The spectators on Palace Embankment may not have appreciated it, but they did enjoy the parade and aerial flyover.

"Did you hear the folks cheering when Putin came out?" Janna asked, her disdain for all things British apparent. "I hope you heard, because I don't believe you have such a powerful leader."

"I feel you have pitted us against each other, two fraternal peoples," she remarked, threateningly pointing her finger. "I hope you can grasp the Russian spirit while you're here."

Natalia, dressed in a 'Z' T-shirt, which is becoming increasingly popular, assured me that she was certain of victory. When I questioned what she meant by triumph, she replied, "Victory over fascism, victory over the Nazis, victory for peace!" "What does the term 'Nazi' imply to you?" I inquire.