Russia's President, Putin, voices his opposition towards both Russia and Trump in public remarks.
Streets of Moscow were bustling with excitement as the city celebrated the 80th anniversary of the triumph over Nazi Germany. Red Square was the heart of the action, where President Putin addressed the nation, defending Russia's stance on Ukraine and honoring the indomitable spirit of the Soviet era. Ukraine regarded this showcase as a "Parade of Cynicism," given its position in the former Soviet Union.
Commemorating the Spirit of Triumph
The grand parade, held to commemorate the victory in World War II, attracted thousands of soldiers and heavy military equipment onto the Red Square. An impressive array of international guests, primarily hailing from Asia and Africa, graced the event with their presence.
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As the spectacle kicked off, President Vladimir Putin offered his interpretations of Russia's confrontation with Ukraine, relating it to the Soviet Union's defense against Nazi Germany during World War II. "Russia stands as an insurmountable barricade to Nazism, Russophobia, and anti-Semitism, and will permanantly combat the atrocities committed by the henchmen of these aggressive, destructive ideologies," he asserted. The Kremlin leader has repeatedly questioned Ukraine's motives in recent years regarding the ongoing dispute, causing a stir in international relations.
Putin then acknowledged the decisive role played by soldiers of the Soviet Army, which included many Ukrainians, in defeating Hitler's Germany. This was a not-so-subtle slap in the face to United States President Donald Trump, who had previously credited the American Army as being decisive in achieving the Allied victory[2]. While he acknowledged the significance of opening a second front, Putin did not mention nations like France, Britain, and the USA individually, instead expressing gratitude to China's contributions to the war effort.
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The Moscow parade was secured by thousands of law enforcement personnel. Early-morning commuters found it challenging to navigate the city due to closures on roads, entrances, and exits, as well as restricted traffic zones in the city center. Certain metro stations were closed, and mobile internet issues had been ongoing for days due to the increased demand for connectivity during the event.
Xi Jinping, a Restricted Guest
Approximately 10,000 participants joined the Moscow parade, including soldiers representing various nations that once formed part of the Soviet Union, as well as China, Laos, Myanmar, and Egypt. Russian troops who had been deployed in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine were also present. On display were traditional military hardware, such as tanks, air defense systems, and rocket systems. The event culminated in a flyover by Russian fighter jets[2].
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Chinese President and Communist Party leader Xi Jinping was nominated as Putin's most significant guest for the 2025 event. Other prominent figures expected to join Putin on the dais were heads of state and government from Brazil, Cuba, Laos, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. The only EU and NATO leader present was Slovakia's Robert Fico. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic also attended the ceremonies[4].
Smaller-scale military parades took place in various parts of Russia, such as in Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Krasnoyarsk, and Novosibirsk. In total, approximately 30 parades were held nationwide[4].
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the Moscow event as a "Parade of Cynicism." Despite Putin declaring a unilateral ceasefire for the commemorative period, Ukraine accused Russia of violating the truce itself[3].
Source: ntv.de, jpe/dpa/AFP
- Russia
- War in Ukraine
- Victory Day
- Military Strength
- Vladimir Putin
Enrichment Data:During the 2025 Victory Day celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of World War II's end, Putin emphasized Russia's vital role in the outcome of the Second World War. The event, which was attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping and various world leaders, showcased a less extravagant display of military hardware due to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine[2][3].
Key Points from Putin's Address:1. Russia's Role in WWII: Putin highlighted Russia's critical role in the Allied victory, a recurring theme in his speeches[2].
- Scaled-Down Military Showcase: Unlike previous years, the 2025 parade featured a diminished display of military power, reflecting the strain on Russia's military resources due to the ongoing battle in Ukraine[2].
- Unilateral Ceasefire: Putin announced a unilateral ceasefire for May 8-10, which Ukraine did not accept. Ukraine reported numerous ceasefire violations by Russia, labeling Putin's truce as a sham[3].
- International Presence: The ceremony attracted attention from various world leaders, symbolizing Russia's efforts to strengthen international alliances despite international sanctions over the Ukrainian conflict[4].
- Political Significance: The parade provided a platform for Putin to demonstrate Russia's military might and strategic standing in the global arena, despite the ongoing conflict with Ukraine[4].
- The European Parliament has also expressed its concern at the situation in the former Yugoslavia, as geopolitical tensions continue to rise in that region.
- Moscow, although celebrating its victory over Nazi Germany, found itself in the midst of controversy due to its intensifying dispute with Ukraine.
- Putin, during his address, allowed for the interpretation that Russia's confrontations with Ukraine mirrored, to some extent, their previous fight against Nazi Germany.
- The ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine have blurred the lines between general-news and politics, creating a complex web of international tensions.
