May 09, 2025
Putin hosts Victory Day parade with tight security and a short ceasefire
On May 9, 2025, Russia commemorated the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat with a grand military parade on Red Square, attended by President Vladimir Putin and international leaders
The event featured over 11,000 troops and showcased drones for the first time, reflecting technological shifts in warfare. Heightened security measures were in place due to recent Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow
To facilitate the celebrations, President Putin announced a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire starting May 7, diverging from a U.S.-proposed 30-day truce accepted by Ukraine
Ukrainian officials accused Russia of violating its own ceasefire over 700 times, describing the move as a deceptive gesture to facilitate Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations
The parade saw attendance from several world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, highlighting support from Russia’s non-Western allies
In his speech, President Putin paid tribute to World War II veterans and emphasized the importance of unity and patriotism in achieving goals for Russia’s welfare
The event featured a display of Russia’s military capabilities, including the introduction of drones in the parade, underscoring advancements in warfare technology
In response to drone threats, Moscow employed electronic countermeasures that caused mobile internet outages, aiming to secure the parade from potential disruptions
While the parade aimed to reinforce Russia's global influence, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned it as a display of "cynicism," calling for continued resistance against Russian aggression
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