Russia Marks 80 Years of Defeating Nazi Germany with Grand Military Parade in Moscow
Russia commemorates triumph over Nazi Germany in Victory Day procession - Russia commemorates the triumph over Nazi Germany through a military showcase
Get ready for a spectacle in Moscow as global leaders descend upon the city for the annual Victory Day Military Parade! This year, over 20 foreign heads of state and government, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, are expected to attend to commemorate the Soviet Union's historic victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The only representative of an EU country in attendance will be Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico.
After WWII's conclusion, the event is commemorated differently between Western Europe (May 8) and Russia (May 9). Today, the military parade in Moscow symbolizes more than just a commemoration - it represents Russia's military power and ideological legacy.
The History of the Celebration
The first Victory Parade took place on June 24, 1945, on Red Square, demonstrating the powerful combat force of the Soviet Army that had emerged victorious against Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War. Over the years, military parades in May were rare, only occurring during special anniversary years like 1965, 1985, and 1990.
International Influence and Diplomatic Implications
Modern-day parades take on additional diplomatic significance, especially when notable foreign leaders attend, such as this year with 29 world leaders, including China's Xi Jinping, joining the celebration. Attending the parade underscores Russia's efforts to demonstrate support from its non-Western allies despite its diplomatic isolation following the invasion of Ukraine.
The EU's Stance
The European Union (EU) has not been directly involved in the Victory Day parades in recent years as they primarily attract leaders from Russia-friendly or non-Western nations. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has pushed the EU towards sanctions and diplomatic pressure, making EU leaders unlikely to participate in such events.
Current Tensions in Ukraine
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has made this year's parade even more politically charged. The presence of foreign leaders during the parade is seen as a counter-narrative to Western attempts to isolate Russia, emphasizing its ongoing diplomatic and strategic efforts to assert influence despite the conflict. World leaders attending the parade serve as a testament to Russia's attempt to maintain international relationships outside the West.
- Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, several world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, will attend the anniversary of Russia's victory over Nazi Germany in Moscow, noteworthy as Russia's powerful military parade also represents its military power and ideological legacy.
- Ukraine, specifically Kiev, has not been invited to the military parade in Moscow, a stark contrast to when foreign leaders of EU countries attended in the past, such as during the 1985 parade commemorating the 40th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany.
- At the heart of the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin, as the chief of Russia, will celebrate with the military parade, aiming to emphasize Russia's military power and demonstrate support from its non-Western allies, despite diplomatic isolation following the invasion of Ukraine.
- In the absence of EU leaders at this year's Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Kiev has announced plans to host its own celebration to remember the role played by Ukraine during World War II, signifying a conscious separation from Russian politics and a focus on maintaining national identity amidst ongoing tensions with its neighbor.
