MOSCOW — In a grand public display marking 80 years since the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, Russia showcased a formidable array of military power in Red Square on Friday. This significant occasion was overseen by President Vladimir Putin, who displayed Russia’s military prowess through a spectacular parade featuring tanks, missiles, aircraft formation flying, and thousands of troops. The event also served as a platform to demonstrate Russia’s global alliances, with over two dozen world leaders, the most since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, attending the event.
Victory Day, celebrated on May 9, holds immense importance in Russia’s national calendar as the country’s most significant non-religious holiday. The elaborate displays reinforce Russia’s image of strength and sovereignty in the face of ongoing challenges and growing tensions with Western nations. This year, the parade was particularly notable, being the most significant since Russian military involvement began in Ukraine in 2022, and drew a record number of foreign dignitaries, highlighting the alliances forged amidst global geopolitical friction.
Noteworthy among the attendees were Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazil’s leader Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who both sat beside Putin. This diverse gathering of leaders highlighted Russia’s successful efforts to counter Western attempts at isolation and underscored its diplomatic engagements that reach far beyond its immediate geographical and political sphere.
Experts like Alexander Gabuev, leader of Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, emphasized that the attendance of numerous key leaders from various parts of the world indicates Russia’s enduring influence and its stance as a fundamental power post-World War II. He noted Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico’s presence as symbolic of Russia’s resilient ties even with countries within the Western bloc, marking a significant triumph in public relations for Putin.
World War II continues to hold a place of sacred unity among Russia’s political landscape, transcending historical divisions left from the Soviet era. The war, in which the Soviet Union suffered colossal losses, is a source of collective national pride and identity, one that the Kremlin utilizes to bolster national unity and reaffirm its status on the world stage. The conflict, termed “The Great Patriotic War” in Russia, resulted in the loss of 27 million Soviet citizens, leaving a profound impact on the national consciousness.
Putin, addressing the crowds in Moscow, celebrated the Russian forces’ dedication and strength in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He praised their resolve and framed their efforts as extensions of historical victories. Victory Day has been transformed by Putin into a central feature of Russian nationalism, serving to fortify patriotic fervor and rationalize Russia’s external military ventures and internal policies, according to Gabuev.
The parade boasted over 11,500 troops and more than 180 military vehicles, including artillery and tanks operational in Ukraine. Displays of Russia’s nuclear capabilities were represented through Yars missile launchers, while military drones indicated advanced warfare adaptation. An awe-inspiring aerial demonstration ensued, with jets flying tightly in national flag colors, showcasing strategic aerial dominance.
In interactions after the parade, Putin engaged with senior military officials, including decorated North Korean officers, reflecting on military collaborations. These discussions highlight the evolving military ties between Russia and North Korea, with acknowledgments of North Korean support to the Russian forces in Ukraine, affirming a strengthened coalition against external pressure.
Following the grand festivities of the parade, Putin gathered with international dignitaries in the Kremlin for discussions, engaging in bilateral talks with figures such as President Lula and Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, illustrating ongoing diplomatic dialogues despite geopolitical challenges. Concurrently, discussions between Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump surfaced, reflecting mutual recognition of shared historical milestones.
The celebratory mood was somewhat tempered by security breaches attributed to Ukrainian drone strikes, causing disruption at Moscow’s airports. Aeroflot, the national airline, experienced significant cancellations and delays. Security measures intensified amid these threats, with authorities bolstering electronic countermeasures to protect the city.
Celebrations spanned Russia, with military parades and commemorations in various cities under heightened security precautions. Historic city name reversions and firework displays accentuated the national observance, reinforcing historical narratives of wartime resilience and unity. Putin instituted a temporary ceasefire aligned with the festivities, but with provisions for defensive retaliation, reflecting the complex dynamic between calls for peace and ongoing military imperatives.
On the contrary, Ukrainian authorities reported continued conflict impact, with Russian strikes claiming civilian lives and escalating tensions. The Russian Defense Ministry noted ongoing Ukrainian offensives and cross-border hostilities, underlining persistent hostilities. European officials, meanwhile, convened in Lviv, Ukraine, motivating for a tribunal focused on prosecuting Russian officials for alleged war crimes, calling for accountability and justice.
French and European leaders emphasized a growing momentum toward legal action against wartime offenses, asserting Europe’s moral commitment to human rights and justice. Conversely, Russia dismissed such initiatives, with Kremlin representatives refusing acknowledgment.
In conclusion, as Europe commemorates the end of World War II’s hostilities, divergent narratives further illustrate deepening divides and underscore complex global alignments and commitments to historical remembrance amid contemporary conflicts.