Russia Marks 80th Anniversary of Nazi Germany's Defeat with Grand Victory Day Parade

Russia marked the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat in World War II with a grand parade in Red Square. President Vladimir Putin oversaw the event, which featured tanks, missiles, and troops. Over two dozen world leaders attended, the most since Russia's military action in Ukraine began. Victory Day, celebrated on May 9, is Russia's most significant secular holiday.

The parade highlighted Russia's global influence and alliances amid ongoing tensions with the West. It was the largest since Russian forces entered Ukraine in 2022. Notable attendees included Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Their presence underscored Russia's efforts to counter Western isolation attempts.

Global Leaders Attend Victory Day Parade

Alexander Gabuev of Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center noted that the event demonstrated Russia's legitimacy as a victorious nation from World War II. He added that Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico's attendance showed Russia has allies within the Western bloc, marking a public relations win for Putin.

World War II holds a unique place in Russian history, uniting political factions under Communist rule. The Soviet Union lost 27 million people during what it calls the Great Patriotic War from 1941 to 1945, leaving a lasting impact on the national psyche.

During his address at Red Square, Putin praised Russian troops fighting in Ukraine. "We are proud of their courage and determination," he said, highlighting their spiritual strength that has historically led to victory.

Military Might on Display

The parade featured over 11,500 troops and more than 180 military vehicles, including tanks and artillery used in Ukraine. Yars nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile launchers were also showcased as a reminder of Russia's nuclear capabilities.

Fighter jets flew overhead in formation, trailing smoke in national flag colours. Drones carried on military trucks highlighted their crucial role in the conflict. Afterward, Putin interacted with Russian generals and North Korean officers present at the event.

Last month, Putin expressed gratitude to North Korea for supporting Russian troops against Ukrainian forces. Pyongyang confirmed its involvement for the first time, emphasising growing military ties between the two nations.

Security Measures Amid Tensions

Victory Day festivities were marred by Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Moscow. Aeroflot cancelled over 100 flights due to disruptions at Moscow airports. Authorities tightened security ahead of the parade, with cellphone internet outages reported as countermeasures against potential drone threats.

Military parades occurred across other Russian cities under tight security. St. Petersburg temporarily reverted to its Soviet-era name Leningrad, while Volgograd became Stalingrad for a day as a historic tribute.

In response to Victory Day celebrations, Putin declared a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire starting May 7 but warned of retaliation if attacked. Moscow rejected a US-proposed 30-day truce linked to halting Western arms supplies to Ukraine.

Ongoing Conflict and International Reactions

Ukrainian authorities reported numerous Russian strikes on Friday, resulting in casualties and damage in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. A Russian drone attack injured civilians in Zaporizhzhia.

The Russian Defence Ministry accused Kyiv of continued operations against Russian forces and cross-border attacks into Belgorod and Kursk regions. Meanwhile, European officials met in Lviv to support creating a tribunal for prosecuting alleged Russian war crimes.

"Russia needs to feel our common strength," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at the Lviv meeting. He stressed holding Russia accountable as a moral duty for those who value human life.

European Sanctions and Accountability

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot expressed confidence that the tribunal would combat impunity for war crimes committed during Russia's aggression against Ukraine. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that no one should escape punishment for these crimes.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed allegations of war crimes and declined to comment on the tribunal plans. European allies agreed on another sanctions package against Russia as part of ongoing efforts to address the conflict.

The majority of Europe commemorates Nazi Germany's defeat on May 8 each year.

With inputs from PTI