Russia celebrated the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat with a big Victory Day parade on Moscow’s Red Square on May 9, 2025. President Vladimir Putin led the event, paraded military might, and paid tribute to World War II sacrifices. The parade had more than 11,000 troops, with some veterans of the current Ukraine war, and saw the first use of drones, symbolizing current warfare innovations.
Despite the security issues caused by Ukrainian drone attacks resulting in flight cancellations, the celebration went on with stringent security. Internationally, there were attendances by such leaders as China’s Xi Jinping and Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, which spoke volumes about Russia’s shift towards non-Western alignments in light of strained ties with the West. The celebration highlighted Russia’s attempts to enhance its global standing and national prestige in the face of geopolitical tension.
Show of Military Power and Foreign Support
More than 11,000 military personnel, including veterans of the Ukraine war, participated in the Victory Day parade and demonstrated new military hardware, including drones, as evidence of the transformation in modern warfare.
Foreign leaders representing nations such as China, Brazil, Venezuela, and Serbia joined the celebrations, marking Russia’s attempts to mend relations with its non-Western allies while there is tension between Russia and the West.
Security Issues During Ukrainian Drone Strikes
During the run-up to the parade, Ukrainian drone attacks struck Moscow, severely disrupting operations. Aeroflot had to cancel more than 100 flights, and over 140 others were delayed because of increased security procedures.
Electronic countermeasures installed by authorities caused disruptions to the internet in some areas of the capital. The parade went ahead despite these issues.
Putin’s Ceasefire Proposal and International Reactions
President Vladimir Putin announced a 72-hour unilateral ceasefire for May 8 with the purpose to guarantee the security of the parade. Nevertheless, he refused an extensive 30-day ceasefire sought by the US, endorsed by Ukraine, under unacceptable terms involving Western military aid supplies and Ukrainian mobilization.
Victory Day remains the most important of Russia’s secular holidays, a celebration of the huge losses that were incurred during World War II, in which the Soviet Union lost an estimated 27 million individuals. The Kremlin continues to employ this history to fuel national pride and the assertion of Russian global influence.
Divided Global Response
Though leaders from a number of non-Western nations participated in the parade, most Western nations boycotted, symbolizing the present geopolitical rift. European foreign ministers went to Ukraine to show solidarity and talk about establishing an international tribunal to deal with war crimes committed in connection with Russia’s aggression.
Russia’s 80th Victory Day parade was not only a tribute to previous victory but also an assertion of ongoing geopolitical ambitions. In the middle of conflict and global criticism, the parade confirmed Russia’s motivation to assert force and secure strategic partnerships outside of the Western alliance.
