Vladimir Putin led Russia’s Victory Day commemorations with a parade in Red Square amidst heightened security following Ukrainian strikes targeting the capital. The event saw the participation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with more than 20 international leaders, as Putin emphasized Russia’s remembrance of the lessons of World War Two.
In his speech, Putin connected the historical significance of the war to the ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine, referring to it as a “special military operation” now in its fourth year. The parade featured a column of trucks carrying combat drones, reflecting their widespread use in Ukraine.
Despite Russia announcing a unilateral three-day ceasefire to coincide with the 80th-anniversary event, Ukraine rejected it as a “theatrical show.” Kyiv accused Russia of launching numerous attacks since the ceasefire began, leading to disruptions at airports and affecting thousands of air passengers in Russia.
Security measures were tight in Moscow as the city marked the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany. The parade in Red Square included 11,000 troops, with 1,500 having fought in Ukraine, inspected by Defence Minister Andrei Belousov.
Putin reiterated Russia’s stance as a barrier against Nazism, Russophobia, and antisemitism, falsely referring to Ukraine’s leadership as Nazis. He expressed unwavering support for the participants in the Ukraine war, with 27 world leaders in attendance, notably China’s Xi Jinping.
China’s presence at the event, with over 100 soldiers marching on Red Square, symbolized the strong alliance between the two countries against the “collective West.” Military contingents from North Korea, Vietnam, and Mongolia also participated, with North Korean forces deployed in Russia’s Kursk region greeted personally by Putin.
The event was attended by leaders such as Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Vucic’s presence drew criticism from the EU, as Serbia is an EU candidate country, but he defended his decision to attend.
The parade showcased various Russian military hardware, including Yars missile systems, tanks, and aircraft, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warning of potential risks for attendees. Despite the ongoing conflict, Zelensky called for a ceasefire and urged Russia to demonstrate a genuine commitment to ending the war.
As tensions persist between Russia and Ukraine, international pressure mounts for a peaceful resolution, with calls for a longer ceasefire supported by Ukraine’s allies in Europe and the US. President Donald Trump reiterated the need for an unconditional ceasefire and threatened further sanctions for any party failing to comply.
The situation remains volatile as both sides accuse each other of ceasefire violations, highlighting the challenges in achieving lasting peace in the region. The international community continues to monitor developments closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
