As Russia celebrates Victory Day, its annual event commemorating the Soviet Union's triumph over Nazi Germany in 1945, concerns remain that the ongoing conflict with Ukraine could escalate. Although the parade was a smaller affair this year due to the war, Russian President Vladimir Putin still addressed the crowds in Red Square, claiming that "a real war" was being fought against Russia and that it must fight for its future. However, Russia's military aggression towards Ukraine has not been met with the same level of fear as in the past, with Putin's attempts to portray the conflict as a necessity and a response to a threat from Ukraine and the West being baseless. Meanwhile, Ukraine is reportedly preparing an expected counteroffensive against Russia, who has recently launched attacks on Ukrainian cities including Kyiv, Odesa, and Kherson, and canceled Victory Day parades in some locations. The situation in Ukraine remains a concern, with fears that the conflict could intensify and lead to further military aggression from Russia.