Twenty-nine leaders, including top Kremlin allies Xi, Putin’s right-hand man in Europe, Belarus’ Alexander Lukashenko, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva are in attendance at the Victory Day parade in Red Square. Putin shared a warm handshake and posed for photos with Xi this morning, dispelling any illusion that efforts by US President Donald Trump to drive a wedge between the Eastern powers had succeeded.
| Published May 9, 2025
Ukraine’s reports Russian strikes on Friday despite Putin declaring a ceasefire
Russia commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany with its most expansive Victory Day parade since the onset of the Ukraine conflict. Held in Moscow’s Red Square, the event showcased over 11,000 troops, advanced military hardware including nuclear missiles, drones, and tanks, and featured participation from foreign leaders such as China’s President Xi Jinping and Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
President Vladimir Putin utilized the occasion to draw parallels between the Soviet fight against Nazism and Russia’s current military actions in Ukraine, asserting that “peace and justice are on our side” and emphasizing the nation’s unity and resilience. The parade also marked the first inclusion of drones, highlighting their growing role in modern warfare.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Chinese President Xi Jinping watch the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025
Despite a declared 72-hour ceasefire by Russia intended to ensure the safety of the celebrations, Ukraine reported over 700 violations, including continued assaults in the eastern regions and bombings in the Sumy area. Ukraine dismissed the ceasefire as a facade, accusing Russia of using it to protect its own festivities while continuing offensive operations.
Security concerns were heightened due to recent Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow, leading to disruptions in air travel and the implementation of electronic countermeasures. The attendance of international leaders, notably President Xi, underscored Russia’s efforts to showcase its global alliances amid ongoing tensions with the West.
The parade served as both a commemoration of past victories and a demonstration of Russia’s current military capabilities and international partnerships, reflecting the nation’s stance amid the protracted conflict in Ukraine.
Pros of Russia’s Victory Day Parade 2025:
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Demonstration of Military Strength: Russia showcased its advanced military hardware, including drones, tanks, and nuclear missiles, emphasizing its military capabilities.
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Diplomatic Show of Support: The attendance of international leaders like China’s President Xi and Brazil’s President Lula highlighted Russia’s continued global alliances, countering Western isolation.
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National Unity Display: The event promoted Russian nationalism and aimed to boost public morale by connecting the Soviet victory in World War II with the current conflict in Ukraine.
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Symbolic Messaging: By linking the historical fight against Nazi Germany to its ongoing actions in Ukraine, Russia reinforced its narrative of fighting for “peace and justice.”
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Technological Showcase: The inclusion of drones in the parade underlined the modernization of Russia’s military capabilities.
Russian T-80 BVM tanks roll in Red square during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025
President of Russia Vladimir Putin (R) welcoming North Korean officers during the Victory Day military parade
Cons of Russia’s Victory Day Parade 2025:
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Security Concerns: Despite a declared ceasefire, Ukraine reported over 700 violations, with continued attacks threatening regional stability.
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Controversial Comparisons: Putin’s attempt to equate the Soviet struggle against Nazism with the Ukraine conflict drew criticism, seen by many as historical distortion.
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Risk of Escalation: The presence of foreign leaders like Xi and the military display heightened global concerns about further conflict escalation.
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Humanitarian Criticism: Ukraine viewed the ceasefire as a facade, accusing Russia of using it to secure its celebrations while continuing offensive operations.
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Economic Costs: Staging such a large-scale parade amid a protracted conflict may be seen as an extravagant expenditure, diverting resources from more urgent needs.
Conclusion
Russia’s Victory Day Parade in 2025 was a potent display of military might and diplomatic alliances, symbolizing the nation’s resilience and its leadership’s determination to maintain a narrative of strength amid ongoing conflict. However, the event also underscored the deep divisions and escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with allegations of ceasefire violations and international criticism over the parade’s symbolic messaging. As Russia seeks to present itself as a global power with loyal allies, the parade highlighted both its strategic partnerships and the enduring consequences of its actions in Ukraine.
SOURCES: DAILYMAIL ONLINE – Putin takes a jab at Trump in war of words over who REALLY won World War Two as Russia stages huge Victory Day parade and hosts China’s Xi
FOX NEWS – Russia’s Putin hosts China’s Xi at massive Moscow military parade on Red Square
THE SCOTTISH SUN – VLAD’S BIG DAY Putin stages biggest Victory Day parade since start of war with China’s Xi at his side as threat of Ukraine strike looms
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