Putin's Patriotism Overwhelms Russia's Power Doubts

Russia spares little effort to show off its naval and military forces to the public. In April, Russia's Black Sea fleet's flagship, the Moskva, sank. According to Ukraine, a direct strike; Russia, an onboard fire.

Russia's prestige and Black Sea capabilities take a hit. Nor is it the only loss for the Black Sea fleet, which faces a Ukrainian navy greatly reduced since Crimea's annexation and entirely besieged in its ports, like its commercial shipping.

Russia's Black Sea embargo forced Ukraine to mine itself.

Stasis at Ukraine's ports has left the world without grain, fertiliser, sunflower oil, and other products that would have boosted the Ukrainian economy.

Despite the Istanbul grain contract, no ship has left. It shows a lack of faith in Russia's intentions, especially after its missile strike on Odessa as the accord was being signed.

Today Putin promised bigger guns. In the following months, Russia's military will receive the Tsirkon hypersonic missile.

The Admiral Gorshkov frigate will be its first user. Putin says Tsirkon will have "no equivalent"

Crowds along Palace Embankment didn't care about that, but they appreciated the parade and flyby.

Janna, whose loathing of all things British was apparent, asked, "Did you hear the crowd cheer when Putin came out?" "I hope you heard, your leader is weak,"

"You've pitted two brotherly guys against each other," she added menacingly. "I hope you understand the Russian spirit here."

Natalia, wearing a 'Z' T-shirt, told me she would win. She answered "Triumph over fascism, over the Nazis, for peace!" when I inquired what she meant by victory. How do you define Nazi?