Putin Praise for Soldiers, Amidst International Gathering on Red Square
Power assertion by Putin in Moscow, marked by display of military might.
In an unusual display, Russian president Vladimir Putin applauded the bravery of soldiers involved in Ukraine's conflict, surrounded by thousands of military personnel and approximately twenty foreign leaders. The gathering was a commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Russia's victory over Nazi Germany.
The leaders in attendance spanned many allies and partners of Russia, including China, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Vietnam, Armenia, Cuba, and Venezuela. Some politicians defied the West's policy of isolation, such as the Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.
During his speech, Putin emphasized the unwavering support of the Russian people for the troops participating in the special military operation in Ukraine. He proudly addressed their courage and determination, praising their resilience as a key factor in Russia's past victories. Putin asserted that Russia will continue to serve as an obstacle against Nazism, Russophobia, and anti-Semitism[1].
The military parade on Red Square included around 11,000 soldiers, including approximately 1,500 who have fought in Ukraine, according to state agency TASS. Soldiers from 13 countries participated in the parade, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Myanmar, and Egyptian troops.
For some Moscow residents, the event was an opportunity to showcase national pride. 40-year-old Vladimir and his pregnant wife attended the parade, expressing their sense of national pride and desire for peace[1].
Tensions remain high on the Ukraine border, with Ukraine reporting violations of the ceasefire declared by Putin from May 8 to 10. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly criticized foreign participation in the military parade on Red Square, considering it as support for the aggressor state, Russia. On the other hand, Kaja Kallas, the head of European Union diplomacy, indicated her support for the creation of a special tribunal to judge crimes associated with Russian aggression[1].
Soldiers from around the Globe
During the parade, soldiers from 13 countries participated alongside the Russian military, including troops from China, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Egypt. The participation of militaries from these countries highlights Putin's efforts to bolster international support for the Russia's military actions in Ukraine.
Recent developments in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia include Putin's proposal for bilateral negotiations with Ukraine, which is scheduled to take place in Turkey on May 15. However, the proposal is based on the 2022 Istanbul protocols, which require Ukraine to effectively surrender[1]. Tensions remain high, as both Ukrainian and Russian forces continue to engage in military operations, with no reports of a ceasefire since Putin's May 8 declaration[1].
[1] Enrichment data source: https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250506-putin-praises-russian-soldiers-amidst-international-gathering-on-red-square
Under Putin's leadership, soldiers from countries such as China, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Egypt joined Russian military personnel in the military parade held in Red Square, signifying Putin's efforts to gain global support for his military actions in Ukraine. Amidst rising tensions between Russian and Ukrainian forces and a potential violation of the ceasefire announced by Putin, these international relations are a significant part of the ongoing 'war-and-conflicts' narrative in general-news. Additionally, the label 'politics' becomes evident as various countries, including those defying the West's policy of isolation, engage in diplomatic maneuvers and discussions over the conflict.
