British Intelligence Ukraine war map as of May. 10

British Intelligence Update as of May 10

On 09 May 2023, the make-up of Russia’s annual Victory Day Parade in Red Square highlighted the materiel and strategic communications challenges the military is facing 15 months into the war in Ukraine.

Over 8,000 personnel reportedly took part in the parade, but the majority were auxiliary, paramilitary forces, and cadets from military training establishments.

The only personnel from deployable formations of regular forces were contingents of Railway Troops and military police.

A vintage T-34 from a ceremonial unit was the sole tank on parade. Despite heavy losses in Ukraine, Russia could have fielded more armored vehicles.

The authorities likely refrained from doing so because they want to avoid domestic criticism about prioritizing parades over combat operations.