Russia marks 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany

Published: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 11:39 am

Russia Celebrates Victory Day Amidst War and Tensions

**Moscow** – Russia commemorated the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany with a grand military parade on Red Square on Friday, a display of national pride and global power projection. The event, attended by President Vladimir Putin and leaders from China, Brazil, and other nations, served as a powerful symbol of unity and resilience amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Victory Day, Russia's most significant secular holiday, is a deeply revered event, uniting all political factions in remembrance of the Soviet Union's immense sacrifices during World War II, known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War. The Kremlin has leveraged this shared history to bolster national pride and underscore Russia's global standing.

This year's celebrations, however, were shadowed by the ongoing war and security concerns. Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Moscow led to flight cancellations and delays at the capital's airports, prompting heightened security measures, including reported cellphone internet outages.

During the parade, Putin praised Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, highlighting their "courage and determination." He also announced a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire coinciding with the Victory Day festivities. However, Moscow has been hesitant to accept a U.S.-proposed 30-day truce, linking it to conditions rejected by Ukraine and its Western allies.

While Moscow celebrated, Ukrainian authorities reported numerous Russian strikes on Friday, resulting in casualties and damage. Simultaneously, European officials convened in Lviv, Ukraine, to endorse the establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute Russian officials accused of war crimes. This juxtaposition highlights the stark contrast between Russia's commemoration and the ongoing realities of the conflict.

Keywords: Russia, Victory Day, World War II, Nazi Germany, Red Square, Vladimir Putin, Ukraine, War, Military Parade, Moscow, Drone Attacks, Ceasefire, Conflict, Great Patriotic War, International Relations, Security, Celebrations, Lviv, War Crimes, Soviet Union.

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