Putin’s Victory Parade Puts Officials on Edge Amid U.S. Boycott

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu crossed himself as his open-topped limousine edged onto Moscow’s Red Square at the start of a military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of his country’s victory over Nazi Germany.

The sign of nervousness hinted at the greater significance Saturday’s live-televised event has taken on with western powers accusing Russia of arming the uprising in Eastern Ukraine. During the rehearsals a few days ago, one of Russia’s newest Armata tanks stalled and was left marooned in the center of the square until the session ended.