1 / 8Victory Day Parade: Russia marked the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat with a military parade on Red Square. President Vladimir Putin attended alongside foreign leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The event, held on May 9, is Russia’s most significant secular holiday, showcasing military strength and national pride amid ongoing tensions with Ukraine. (Photo via AP)
2 / 8Global Leaders Present: More than 20 foreign dignitaries, including Xi Jinping and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, joined Putin at the Red Square parade. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic also attended, despite EU criticism. The parade, the fourth since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, highlighted Moscow’s alliances and defiance toward the West. (Photo via AP)
3 / 8Military Display: Around 11,000 troops marched on Red Square, including 1,500 who fought in Ukraine. The parade featured military equipment, symbolising Russia’s ongoing campaign in Ukraine. Putin praised the troops’ bravery, drawing parallels between their efforts and Soviet soldiers who defeated Nazi Germany. The display aimed to project Russia’s global power and resilience. (Photo via AP)
4 / 8Putin’s Address: In his speech, Putin hailed Russian troops in Ukraine for their courage and determination. He called Russia an “indestructible barrier” against Nazism and Russophobia, echoing justifications for the Ukraine offensive. Putin also proposed a toast to “victory” at a dinner for foreign leaders, emphasising national unity and military strength. (Photo via AP)
5 / 8Ukraine Conflict: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022, has killed tens of thousands and continues into its fourth year. Putin declared a 72-hour ceasefire for Victory Day, but Ukraine dismissed it as political theatre, reporting Russian strikes in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia that killed two. Moscow rejected a U.S.-proposed 30-day truce. (Photo via AP)
6 / 8Drone Attack Disruptions: Ukrainian drone attacks targeted Moscow, disrupting Victory Day festivities. Aeroflot cancelled over 100 flights and delayed 140 others as Russian forces countered the attacks. Authorities tightened security, and cellphone internet outages occurred due to electronic countermeasures. A drone strike also hit Belgorod’s city council building, but no injuries were reported. (Photo via AP)
7 / 8Historical Significance: World War II, known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War, cost the Soviet Union 27 million lives. The war, from 1941 to 1945, left a lasting impact on Russia’s national identity. The Kremlin uses Victory Day to foster pride and unity, glossing over the 1939-1941 Soviet-Nazi non-aggression pact. (Photo via AP)
8 / 8National Pride: Moscow was decorated with red flags and “victory” signs for the holiday. A local, Vladimir, 40, expressed pride in Russia while viewing military displays with his family. Victory Day remains a unifying event across Russia’s political spectrum, reinforcing the Kremlin’s narrative of resilience and global influence. (Photo via AP)
