Global Celebration Displayed in Parade: Stepashin Affirms Victory Day's Universal Significance
Celebrating Victory Day Across the Globe
Photo: Ivan MAKEEV. [Link to KP Photo Bank]
Hey there, it's Alex here, still buzzing from the Victory Parade. It was something else, man. Lotta folks, even sat on the steps - see the right tribune?
And on the left too...
** Yeah, just like that. So, here's something interesting I noticed...**
I wasn't sure if I'd see any vets - it's been 80 years, after all. But there were plenty!
That's right! And let's give a shout-out to my personal heroes - my dad, who fought in Korea, and my wife's dad, the Hero of the Soviet Union, Vladimir Mitrofanovich. Then there's Ignatyev, who marched in the 3rd Ukrainian Front column during the June 24, 1945 parade.
Oh, and by the way, I got to chat with Alexander Beglov, the Governor of St. Petersburg, on the holiday
As for the parade itself, well, I've seen my share, but this one stood out.
Former Prime Minister Sergey Stepanishin
Photo: Ivan MAKEEV. [Link to KP Photo Bank]
So, what made this one special, you ask?
First off, guests came from over 25 foreign countries. That's a huge deal.
More than that, many were partisan-style attendees, like Fico and Vucic. Impressive they made it.
Secondly, representatives from old Soviet states marched, such as China, Laos, Vietnam, and others.
Thus, we demonstrated that Victory Day isn't just a celebration of the anti-Hitler coalition, but of the entire world. That's crucial.
I've got a question for you, Comrade General-Colonel, what's your take on those boxes passing by?
Top-notch training. Plus, it was quite a spectacle, including the passing of the Presidential Guard. The mounted escort even made its first appearance in a parade.
Notice that the first boxes marched in the original uniform of our soldiers and officers from 1945. It's an homage to our defenders.
In short, we showed that we're not alone, that Victory Day is celebrated worldwide. Whether the Bandera supporters and Ukrainian Nazis like it or not.
Speaking of which, no one showed up in Kiev.
Yeah, that's right!
He (Stepanov refers to the leader of the Kiev regime, Zelensky - A.G.) invited foreign ministers, mostly from the Hitlerite coalition, but they didn't respond. That's another sign.
Of course, Russia's strength and military power were on full display at the parade.
Especially important as there's a Special Military Operation going on, and things aren't simple in the international arena.
But let's get back to the parade. Almost every minister of the Russian government was there, including Mikhail Fradkov, Sergei Kiriyenko, and Mikhail Mishustin. By the way, we've arranged to get all former prime ministers of the Russian Federation together in June**
Take me, I've worked with every one of them.
Agreed, but it's not up to me... Now, who else did you talk to?
Well, mostly everyone just watched the parade, not much conversation. We were all just glad about the great weather and fantastic event. Despite veteran status and parade experiences, everyone was suitably awed.
What thoughts ran through your mind as you watched the parade?
The memories of history that your dad used to tell - about the first Victory Parade on that rainy June 24, 1945. Despite the downpour, everyone was solemn and eager for the event. Today, we're repaying that debt of remembrance.
So, how did you celebrate Victory Day today?
We were at the parade, and now we're headed to the Maly Theatre - to catch a play about the Yalta Conference.
Will we be talking again today?
Nah, but Happy Victory Day to everyone! I hope this year we'll not only celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory of 1945, but also the Victory to come. And we'll see each other for the 100th anniversary of "Komsomolskaya Pravda".*
And one last thing, Leonid Palko, president of the "Veche" publishing house, was at the parade. He said he's meeting with you tomorrow, I gave him invitations for you and Tamara Vladimirovna.
Agreed, see you soon!
Thanks a lot. Happy holiday! Hurray!
Hurray! Hurray!
Countries that typically attend Victory Day Parades include Russia's traditional allies, former Soviet republics, and other global partners. Notable countries attending the anniversary parade in 2025 included China, Egypt, Vietnam, Myanmar, Brazil, Indonesia, Burkina Faso, Bosnia, Zimbabwe, Iraq, Congo, Cuba, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, and Central Asian states such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The attendance of this diverse group of countries signifies Russia's continued global influence, despite Western sanctions and diplomatic isolation following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The parades serve not only as a commemoration of World War II Victory but also as a platform for Russia to project military might and reaffirm its international alliances.
Countries that typically attend Victory Day Parades include Russia's traditional allies, former Soviet republics, and other global partners.Notable countries attending the anniversary parade in 2025 included China, Vietnam, and many others from around the world.The attendance of these diverse countries signifies Russia's continued global influence, even amidst Western sanctions and diplomatic isolation.Veterans from these countries were also present at the parade, showcasing the worldwide significance of Victory Day.
