Vladimir Putin led Russia’s annual Victory Day celebrations in Red Square today, marking the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in World War Two, with a heightened security presence following recent Ukrainian strikes on the Russian capital.
The event saw an international gathering, with over 20 world leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping, who stood side-by-side with Putin in a show of unity. The parade featured a display of military might, including for the first time, combat drones. This addition highlights their extensive use in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, which Putin has repeatedly justified as part of Russia’s “special military operation.”
The atmosphere surrounding this year’s Victory Day was charged with political significance. Putin’s speech, delivered before a crowd of thousands of soldiers and foreign dignitaries, underscored Russia’s continued commitment to the war, now entering its fourth year. He stated that Russia remains “an indestructible barrier against Nazism” and reiterated claims of widespread national support for the war in Ukraine. His rhetoric also sought to reinforce the narrative that Russia was acting in defense of historical truth, casting Ukraine’s leadership as neo-Nazis – a characterization rejected by many.
In a rare move, a unilateral ceasefire was declared by Russia ahead of the event. Set to last three days, the truce was intended as a gesture of goodwill. However, Kyiv quickly denounced the ceasefire as a “theatrical show” and accused Russia of violating the agreement, reporting thousands of attacks since the ceasefire began at midnight Wednesday. Russian officials, on the other hand, claim to have adhered to the ceasefire, blaming Ukraine for numerous violations.
The celebration’s security measures were stringent, with Red Square under tight restrictions to prevent any potential disruptions. The scale of the parade was impressive, with 11,000 soldiers marching, including 1,500 who had served in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Defence Minister Andrei Belousov reviewed the troops, while Putin, joined by Xi Jinping, delivered a speech reinforcing Russia’s position as the “defender of truth.”
The parade featured an array of military equipment, including the formidable Yars missile systems and tanks, as well as a flyover of six Su-25 military jets. The presence of Chinese soldiers in the parade was a highly symbolic moment, signaling the growing military and political ties between Moscow and Beijing. Xi Jinping, who wore the distinctive St. George ribbon, an emblem of Russian military pride, sat prominently next to Putin.
Leaders from nations such as Brazil, Venezuela, and Serbia also attended, though the event’s international participation sparked controversy. The European Union’s foreign policy chief had previously discouraged EU leaders from attending, given the ongoing war in Ukraine. However, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, an EU candidate, defied these warnings, facing potential political fallout for his decision to attend.
While the ceremony focused heavily on the historic ties between Russia and China, it also cast a shadow over historical accuracy. Taiwan condemned the commemoration, arguing that the Chinese Communist Party’s role in the war was overstated, with the real contribution coming from the nationalist forces that later retreated to Taiwan.
Amidst the pomp and circumstance, the war in Ukraine looms large. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, via social media, rejected the Russian ceasefire as a “game” and insisted on a true, extended truce. He called on Moscow to demonstrate a genuine willingness to end the conflict, expressing readiness for a full ceasefire on Ukraine’s terms.
The evolving narrative of Russia’s “special military operation” remains central to the ongoing conflict, as the world watches with growing concern over the future of peace in Ukraine and the global ramifications of Russia’s actions.