Celebrating Soviet Victory Over Nazis: Russia's Grand Annual Parade in Moscow
Russia marks the anniversary of triumph over Nazi Germany with military demonstration - Russia commemorates the victory against Nazi Germany in its grand military procession.
Get ready for an epic show, as Moscow gears up for the grand annual military parade celebrating the Soviet Union's triumph over Nazi Germany! With more than 20 foreign heads of state expected to attend, including China's President Xi Jinping, this year's event promises to be a spectacle like no other.
While most of Western Europe commemorates the end of World War II on May 8, Russia holds its Victory Day anniversary on May 9. This significant date marks the signing of the German surrender late on May 8, 1945, which, for Moscow, was already May 9 due to the time difference.
The parade in Moscow is a testament to the full strength of Russia's military forces, featuring troops from various branches and a stunning display of weaponry. Alongside these homegrown forces, contingents from former Soviet republics and sometimes foreign military units make an appearance, making this parade a truly international affair.
This commemoration is as much about remembering the past as it is about showcasing military pride and national unity. The parade serves as a solemn reminder of the vast sacrifices made during World War II, while also showcasing the might of the Russian military.
Recent years have given the parade an extra layer of significance in the context of Russia's geopolitical relationships. In the 2025 parade marking the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, Chinese President Xi Jinping attended as a guest of honor and sat beside Russian President Vladimir Putin during the event. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) also participated with a Guard of Honor contingent, symbolizing the strong ties between Russia and China.
With over 11,500 military personnel taking part from more than ten countries, the 2025 parade highlighted the event's role as a stage for international diplomatic signaling. This ever-growing international participation underscores the significance of the Victory Day parade and its message of strategic partnership and mutual support between Russia and its allies, as well as a contrast to the more reserved commemorations held in the European Union.
In essence, Russia’s Victory Day military parade is much more than just a remembrance of the past - it is a modern-day platform for demonstrating military power, showcasing international alliances, and sending powerful messages of strategic partnership on the global stage, particularly with its close ally, China [1][2].
[1] RGNN Brussels. (2021, May 9). Celebrating Russia's Victory Day: A show of power and unity. Retrieved from https://www.rgnn.org/europe/2021/05/09/russias-victory-day-military-parade-power-and-unity/
[2] BBC News. (2021, May 8). What parade in Moscow isn't just about World War Two. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60461921
- As the anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany approaches, Ukraine's capital, Kiev, is also preparing for celebrations in commemoration of the end of World War II.
- In contrast to Moscow's grand military parade, Kiev's celebrations have been more focused on politics and general news, with consultations held among leaders about the ongoing conflict in the region.
- While Russia's military parade celebrates the anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany, it also serves as a stage for forging strategic partnerships, as shown by the 2025 parade where Chinese President Xi Jinping joined Vladimir Putin, the chief of Russia, as a guest of honor.
- Though the European Union holds its commemorations of the end of World War II on May 8, Russia celebrates on May 9, highlighting the contrast between the two blocks in their remembrances and celebrations of the anniversary.
