Steven Seagal Takes Part in Putin's Grand Victory Day Event Alongside a Biker Group

In Moscow, a gathering of numerous leaders who support Russia's military saw an unexpected attendee—Steven Seagal, the action movie star from the 1990s.

During coverage of Russia's Victory Day by state-run Izvestia, Seagal was captured on camera, with tanks and other military vehicles providing a dramatic backdrop as they paraded past Kremlin's streets. Clips of Seagal mingling with the crowd were shared widely on social media during the weekend.

According to France's Agence France-Presse, Seagal was observed seated close to the Night Wolves, a group known for their Russian nationalist beliefs.

A known supporter of Vladimir Putin, Seagal secured Russian citizenship in 2016 and has served as a cultural envoy from Russia to the US since 2018. Even after the onset of the Ukraine conflict, Seagal has remained steadfast in his allegiance to the Kremlin.

Another American film figure present at the parade was Oliver Stone, the acclaimed director and recipient of three Academy Awards. Stone, who produced an extensive documentary on Putin, has often lauded the Russian President, describing him as an exemplary leader in recent interviews. During Friday's events, Stone was seen with Putin, wearing the Ribbon of Saint George, symbolic of the Russian armed forces.

This display at the parade underscores Russia's efforts to boost the majesty of this year's ceremony, coinciding with eight decades since Nazi Germany's World War II defeat. After two years of low-key Victory Day parades, presumably due to military resource conservation, Friday's event was a showpiece of Russia's military grandeur, observable by various eastern European and central Asian dignitaries.

The event featured an extensive parade of military hardware such as Iskander and Yars missiles, Tornado-S rocket systems, and the latest T-90 tanks parading before media cameras. The sky was dominated by Su-25 fighter jets leaving trails of colored smoke.

Russia also debuted their combat drones during this display, hinting at the Kremlin's adaptation of these tools in ongoing conflicts. Displayed armored vehicles bore Shahed drones, associated with Iranian origin and actively utilized by Russia.

International Tensions and Security Concerns

Prior to the parade aiming to flex Russia's military prowess, Ukraine issued warnings of multiple drone assault threats, causing disruptions and temporary airport shutdowns.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cautioned international figures against attending the event, distancing Kyiv from liability for any incidents occurring on Russian soil during the occasion.

To ensure security, Moscow intensified its defense against drone threats by disabling internet services in the city center during the ceremony.