Putin Rallies for Ukraine Victory as Drones Dominate Victory Day Parade: ‘Truth on Our Side’

Russia Victory Day Parade 2025 became a show of military and political courage. On May 9, President Vladimir Putin celebrated the 80th anniversary of Soviet victory in World War II with a promise of triumph in Ukraine. Thousands of soldiers, including those from the Ukraine front, marched on Moscow’s Red Square. Combat drones employed during the current war stole the show for the very first time.

Chinese President Xi Jinping was present alongside Putin at the event, a sign of improved Russia-China relations. EU ministers convened in Ukraine’s Lviv to advocate for a tribunal against Russia’s leaders. The day exposed a split world — one basking in power, the other demanding justice.

Putin Vows Victory Over Ukraine

Vladimir Putin announced that Russia would be victorious in Ukraine just like the Soviet Union in WWII. He called on citizens to rally Russian forces who have been fighting since 2022. Speaking during the parade, he stated, “We are proud of their courage and tenacity… the resilience that has always led us only to triumph.”

Vladimir Putin presented the current war as an extension of historical heroism. He referred to contemporary Russians as “heirs of victors” and excluded any form of criticism. Russia has prohibited negative rhetoric about the offensive, and hundreds of thousands of people have fled.

Combat Drones Steal the Show

For the first time, Russia unveiled combat drones at the parade. They included the Lancet, Geran-2, Orlan-10, and Orlan-30 — all used in Ukraine. The action was a change of course for Russia’s wartime display. Unlike years past, scores of tanks and drones were showcased.

State media verified that some 1,500 soldiers who served in Ukraine walked among the 11,000 total participants. Spectators applauded as they went by.

Allies on Parade, Sanctions on the Horizon

Vladimir Putin welcomed approximately 20 foreign leaders. Xi Jinping observed the parade and had talks with Putin previously. Chinese soldiers also marched. Putin greeted highly decorated North Korean officers. Pyongyang is said to have dispatched troops to assist Russian troops in the Kursk area.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico sided with Putin, going against the EU. Meanwhile, EU ministers held talks in Lviv. There, they backed establishing a tribunal to prosecute Russia’s highest officials for aggression and war crimes.

Moscow Celebrates, Europe Reflects

While Moscow showed off tanks and drones, Europe celebrated Victory Day in solemn fashion. Ukrainian leaders denounced the Red Square marchers as prospective war criminals. The EU emphasized justice. High diplomat Kaja Kallas warned of “no impunity” for Russia’s actions.

The ICC already issued a warrant for the arrest of Putin over child kidnappings and charged four commanders for attacking civilians.

Optimism and Violence Clash

Vladimir Putin issued a three-day ceasefire for the holiday. But Kyiv accused Russia of violating it hundreds of times. On Thursday, a Russian drone killed a 63-year-old woman in Zaporizhzhia. Shelling went on in Kherson and Dnipropetrovsk regions.

Hope still glimmered in Moscow. Natalia Tarasova, from occupied Donetsk, expressed hope that this would be the last year Donetsk skipped its own parade.