Vladimir Putin led Russia’s Victory Day celebrations with a military parade held in Moscow’s Red Square, under tight security following a series of Ukrainian attacks on the capital in recent days.
In a speech to Russian troops, war veterans, and a delegation of over 20 foreign leaders—including Chinese President Xi Jinping—Putin stated that Russia honors the lessons of World War II, asserting that “truth and justice are on our side.”
He reaffirmed widespread domestic support for what the Kremlin continues to call a “special military operation” in Ukraine, now extending into its fourth year.
To mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II, Russia declared a three-day ceasefire. However, Ukraine rejected the move, labeling it a “theatrical show.” According to Ukrainian forces, they have endured thousands of attacks since the ceasefire supposedly began on May 8. Russia, on the other hand, insists it is upholding the truce and blames Ukraine for repeated violations.
In the lead-up to the ceasefire, both Moscow and Kyiv launched a wave of mutual strikes. Ukrainian drone assaults disrupted air travel across Russia, leaving around 60,000 passengers stranded due to canceled flights.
Strict security measures were enforced throughout central Moscow during the commemorations, which honored the Soviet defeat of Nazi Germany.
The parade began with Commander Oleg Salyukov leading 11,000 soldiers into Red Square, where they were reviewed by the new Defence Minister, Andrei Belousov, before President Putin delivered his remarks.
Russia claims that 27 foreign leaders attended the ceremony. Troops marched in formation, followed by displays of modern military equipment. Notable attendees included Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, the sole EU leader to make the trip to Moscow.
The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, had previously urged European leaders to boycott the event due to Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine.
Among the international military contingents on parade were 102 Chinese soldiers, along with troops from Vietnam and Mongolia. Putin highlighted the importance of Xi Jinping’s presence, praising the “bravery of the Chinese people” and acknowledging China’s alliance with the Soviet Union during World War II.
According to Chinese media, Putin and Xi held two official meetings as well as informal discussions, including talks related to the conflict in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier cautioned visiting leaders about safety risks and urged them not to attend the event in Moscow.
Ukrainian military analyst Mykhailo Samus told the BBC he believed Ukraine would refrain from attacking the Victory Day events, largely out of respect for the foreign dignitaries present. Still, he noted that if Ukraine did choose to strike, it would be within its rights under international law.
In his Thursday night address, President Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine’s readiness for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, emphasizing, “It must be real—no drone or missile strikes, no endless assaults along the front.”
He challenged Moscow to demonstrate genuine intent to end the war by respecting the truce.
Despite this, Ukrainian officials reported nearly 200 frontline clashes, 18 airstrikes, and approximately 4,000 shelling incidents on just the second day of the ceasefire.
In one tragic case, a woman was reportedly killed in Prymorske, a village in the Zaporizhzhia region, after her vehicle was hit by a Russian drone.
Russia’s defense ministry maintains that its forces have halted combat and are holding their positions. However, they claim to be responding only to provocations by Ukrainian troops.
Zelensky has repeatedly rejected Russia’s temporary truce, calling it a “charade.” He continues to push for a longer, 30-day ceasefire, an idea that has gained traction among Ukraine’s Western allies.
The Ukrainian president also stated that he had spoken with former U.S. President Donald Trump, expressing his commitment to achieving a “sustainable and lasting peace.” Zelensky noted that he told Trump a 30-day ceasefire would be a concrete first step in that direction.
Trump later echoed this sentiment on Truth Social, calling for an unconditional truce and warning that any side failing to comply could face increased sanctions.