- Russia celebrated the 80th anniversary of Victory Day with a massive military parade.
- President Putin welcomed leaders from around the globe, including China’s Xi Jinping.
- The parade featured over 11,500 troops and advanced military hardware.
- Ukraine war loomed large, with Putin praising troops fighting in the conflict.
Victory Day: More Than Just a Parade
Victory Day isn’t just another holiday in Russia; it’s the biggest one! It’s a day to remember the sacrifices made during what they call the Great Patriotic War (World War II) and to show off Russia’s strength. This year’s parade was particularly significant, with President Vladimir Putin front and center.
Who Showed Up? Putin’s Guest List Revealed
Despite ongoing tensions with the West, Putin managed to draw a crowd of international leaders. Chinese President Xi Jinping was a notable guest, sitting right next to Putin during the event. Other attendees included Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Their presence sends a clear message: Russia isn’t as isolated as some might think. According to Alexander Gabuev, director of Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, this shows that Russia is seen as a “very legitimate victorious nation”.
The Military Might on Display
The parade was a spectacle of military hardware, featuring over 11,500 troops and more than 180 vehicles. Tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery rumbled through Red Square, showcasing the equipment currently used in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The parade also included Yars nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles, a not-so-subtle reminder of Russia’s nuclear capabilities. Drones, which have become crucial in modern warfare, were also prominently featured.
Ukraine War: The Unspoken Context
The conflict in Ukraine loomed large over the Victory Day celebrations. Putin used his speech to praise Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, highlighting their courage and determination. He framed the war as a continuation of the fight against Nazism, a narrative the Kremlin has been pushing hard. According to Gabuev, Victory Day has become a “civic religion” for Putin, used to boost patriotism and justify his actions in Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Response: Drones and Diplomacy
While Moscow celebrated, Ukraine faced a series of Russian strikes. Ukrainian drones also targeted Moscow, causing disruptions and prompting heightened security measures. Meanwhile, in Lviv, European officials met to discuss the creation of a special tribunal to prosecute Russian officials accused of war crimes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for accountability, calling it a “moral duty of Europe.”
The World Reacts: Sanctions and Condemnation
The international community remains divided on the issue of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. While some countries attended the Victory Day parade, others condemned Russia’s aggression and imposed sanctions. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced that European allies have agreed on another package of sanctions against Russia. The launch of a tribunal will mean that “nobody can be left unpunished for the crimes committed,” said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
St. Petersburg’s Flashback: Leningrad Returns for a Day
In a symbolic gesture, Putin’s hometown of St. Petersburg temporarily reverted to its Soviet-era name of Leningrad for the day. Similarly, Volgograd was temporarily renamed Stalingrad, its name during World War II. This harkens back to a time of perceived Soviet glory and reinforces the narrative of Russia as a powerful nation with a proud history.
What Does It All Mean?
Russia’s Victory Day parade was more than just a celebration of the past; it was a message to the world. It was a display of military might, a show of international support, and a reaffirmation of Russia’s national identity. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the parade served as a reminder of Russia’s resolve and its determination to assert its place on the global stage.