Russia's Red Square celebration: Showcase of Putin, Xi, Seagal, and Missiles by Russia
On Friday, the VIP seats of Russia's Victory Day parade displayed a spectacular showcase of military might under clear skies, with Putin, the aggressor in the Ukrainian conflict, using the occasion to whip up support for the army. Putin, who plunged Ukraine into chaos in February 2022, has exploited the memory of the Soviet war effort to rally the populace.
Russia's celebration of the Nazi defeat had been toned down in 2023 and 2024, with fewer tanks typically present, notably absent from the battlefield in Ukraine. Foreign leaders were relatively scarce, unwilling to visit Russia or stand alongside Putin in these troubled times.
However, for the 80th anniversary of World War II's end and the third year of Putin's Ukraine campaign, the grandeur was back in full force. Guests were treated to an array of new tanks, Iskander missiles, and, for the first time, attack drones - weapons used relentlessly against Ukraine on a near-daily basis.
Powerful foreign leaders attended, and the parade even witnessed Chinese troops marching through Russia's most iconic square. Putin used his speech to boast victory was imminent in Ukraine, a claim disputed by Western powers and Ukrainian officials.
The conflict has taken a severe toll on both sides, claiming tens of thousands of lives, and flaring tensions high on the diplomatic agenda, particularly amidst President Trump's attempts to mediate peace. "The whole nation, society, and people stand in support of the troops in Ukraine," Putin declared proudly. "We take immense pride in their courage and steadfastness, which have always led to victory."
Moscow has been keen to stifle any criticism of its military campaign, and many Russians have fled the country in recent years. "Victory will be ours" read banners hung across Red Square, drawing parallels between the defeat of the Nazis in 1945 and Moscow's current crusade in Ukraine.
Snipers and Foreign Troops
Security precautions were tight for days before the event, with authorities citing potential threats from Ukraine, which had previously attacked the capital with drones. Snipers were stationed on the rooftops of GUM, Russia's grand 19th-century department store, overlooking Red Square. The Internet was also restricted.
Troops shouted the traditional Russian cry of "Ura!" and paraded in front of over 20 foreign leaders, including Brazil's Lula and Egypt's el-Sisi. The Chinese troops were a notable highlight, marching alongside Putin's long-time associates Maduro, Diaz-Canel, and Lukashenko.
Despite the Western powers' increasing isolation from Russia, Belarus's Lukashenek's attendance was hailed as an "act of heroism" by the Kremlin. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico defied Brussels by attending a wreath-laying ceremony in Moscow.
North Korean Commanders
Onlookers watched as troops who had seen action in Ukraine marched past. The tribunes were filled with guests, including a German woman who wondered aloud about the naval cadets. Seagal, the US actor and Putin's friend, sat nearby with the "Night Wolves" - a pro-Kremlin motorcycle gang.
A Chinese guest cheered and recorded as North Korean troops were announced, while Putin greeted and shook hands with North Korean commanders afterwards. The alliance between Russia and North Korea has grown increasingly close, with North Korea sending troops to help Moscow oust Ukrainian forces from its territory.
"My best wishes to you and all your troops," Putin told them in a televised broadcast. The symbolic show of support underscores the deepening ties between Russia and North Korea, two nations fervently defending their sovereignty amidst international tensions.
- In 2024, the parade held in Moscow's Red Square to commemorate the end of World War II displayed a grand spectacle of Russia's military might, with guests witnessing new tanks, Iskander missiles, and attack drones - weapons frequently used in Ukraine's conflict.
- Despite the ongoing Ukrainian conflict, various foreign leaders attended the parade, including Brazils' Lula and Egypt's el-Sisi, with Chinese troops participating in the march.
- For Putin, the occasion was used to assert victory was imminent in Ukraine, a claim disputed by Western powers and Ukrainian officials amidst President Trumps' attempts to mediate peace.
- With Ukraine potentially posing a threat, security precautions were tightened, with snipers stationed on rooftops overlooking Red Square and Internet restrictions implemented.
- Notably, North Korean troops, valued allies of Russia, were among those who marched in the parade, strengthening the nations' bond amidst international tensions.
