Commemorating 80 Years Since Nazi Germany's Defeat

Russian troops participated in a grand military parade on Friday, May 9, 2025, in Moscow, commemorating eight decades since the Soviet triumph over Nazi Germany during World War II.

In Moscow, a significant celebration took place on Red Square, where President Vladimir Putin was joined by global dignitaries like China's President Xi Jinping and Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to mark this historic Victory Day.

Victory Day, observed on May 9 in Russia, represents one of the nation's most prominent celebrations. Ceremonies, including the Red Square parade, emphasize Moscow's global influence and alliances, especially as it navigates ongoing tensions with the West due to the prolonged conflict in Ukraine.

World War II is a unifying chapter in Russia's complex history under Communist governance, universally respected across political lines. The Kremlin leverages this sentiment to bolster national pride and underscore Russia's stature on the world stage.

Leaders from Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Russia, and China observed the military parade marking the 80th anniversary of World War II's conclusion in Europe.

The Soviet Union paid a high price during the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945), suffering the loss of 27 million people, a sacrifice engraved deeply in the nation's collective memory.

This year's events were marred by ongoing security threats to Moscow, leading to massive disruptions at local airports.

Aeroflot, Russia's main airline, canceled over 100 flights and delayed 140 due to the military's efforts to fend off continued drone assaults targeting Moscow.

To ensure safety, authorities enhanced security ahead of the celebrations and implemented electronic measures to counteract more drone threats, causing mobile internet blackouts.

During the parade, President Putin praised the bravery and resolve of Russian forces in Ukraine, highlighting their indomitable spirit that historically secured their victories.

Defense Minister Andrei Belousov paraded through Red Square in an Aurus vehicle as part of the commemoration.

President Putin declared an operation starting from Wednesday to coincide with the commemorative events but cautioned that any aggression would be met with force. The Kremlin is opposed to a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the U.S., conditioned upon cessation of Western arms deliveries to Ukraine, a condition Ukraine and its supporters find unacceptable.

Ukraine reported numerous Russian strikes on Friday, causing at least two fatalities in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia areas and inflicting damage on infrastructure.

While festivities continued in Moscow, a gathering of European officials in Lviv, western Ukraine, was underway to support establishing a tribunal for prosecuting Russian leaders for alleged war crimes.