On May 9, 2025, Moscow hosted an elaborate military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two. President Vladimir Putin presided over the celebration in Red Square, joined by Chinese President Xi Jinping and other international leaders. The event, steeped in symbolism and military power, unfolded without any reported attacks from Ukraine, as a rare 72-hour ceasefire held.
Putin, standing beside Xi near Lenin’s mausoleum, emphasized the Soviet Union’s central role in defeating Nazi Germany, noting its tremendous losses and sacrifices. However, he also acknowledged the efforts of the Allied powers, including resistance fighters, the people of China, and others who contributed to the global fight against fascism.
“The Soviet Union took upon itself the most ferocious, merciless blows of the enemy,” Putin said. “We highly appreciate the contribution of the soldiers of the Allied armies, the members of the resistance, the courageous people of China, and all those who fought for a peaceful future.”
Although Putin made only passing reference to the ongoing war in Ukraine, it lingered over the celebration. Over 11,500 Russian troops participated in the parade, including 1,500 veterans of the Ukrainian battlefield. For the first time, drones—now a major part of modern warfare—joined the display, along with nuclear-capable Yars missiles and tanks.
Despite Ukraine’s drone strikes on Moscow earlier in the week, Victory Day proceeded without incident. The ceasefire declared by Putin for May 8 to May 10 appeared largely respected on the Russian side, though Kyiv accused Moscow of violations—claims the Kremlin dismissed.
The significance of the day runs deep for Russia and other former Soviet republics. May 9 is revered as “Victory Day,” commemorating the Soviet triumph over Nazi Germany in what is known locally as the Great Patriotic War. With 27 million Soviet lives lost—including millions from Ukraine—the memory serves as a unifying force in Russian society.
Putin leveraged the presence of global allies—such as Xi, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and North Korean officials—to reinforce the message that Russia remains internationally engaged despite Western efforts to isolate it. Chinese troops marched alongside Russian forces, and North Korean officers received public praise from Putin.
The international spotlight briefly shifted to former U.S. President Donald Trump, who urged a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, warning of further sanctions if ignored. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the Moscow parade as a “parade of cynicism,” calling for stronger support from the West and vowing to resist further Russian advances.
As the world watched, Moscow’s military show of strength served both as a reminder of past victory and a stark reflection of a present still gripped by war.
