Russias Victory Day parade begins, marking the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany - AP News
3 minute readPublished: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 7:06 am
Moscow Celebrates Victory Day Amidst War and Tensions
Moscow hosted a grand military parade on Red Square on Friday, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. The event, Russia's most significant secular holiday, Victory Day, was attended by President Vladimir Putin and a collection of foreign leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The parade served as a display of Russia's global power and an effort to solidify alliances, particularly as the conflict in Ukraine enters its fourth year. The Kremlin leverages the shared reverence for the Soviet Union's sacrifices during World War II, known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War, to foster national pride and project its international standing.
However, this year's celebrations were shadowed by ongoing conflict. Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow led to airport disruptions, with Aeroflot canceling and delaying numerous flights. Security was heightened, and internet outages were reported as authorities implemented countermeasures.
During the parade, Putin praised Russian troops fighting in Ukraine. He also announced a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire coinciding with the Victory Day celebrations, while simultaneously warning of retaliation against any attacks. Moscow has shown reluctance to accept a U.S.-proposed truce, linking it to conditions rejected by Ukraine and its Western allies.
Simultaneously, as Moscow celebrated, Ukrainian authorities reported Russian strikes in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, resulting in casualties and damage. Meanwhile, European officials met in Lviv, Ukraine, to endorse the creation of a special tribunal to prosecute Russian officials for alleged war crimes.
BNN's Perspective: The Victory Day celebrations highlight the complex interplay of history, national identity, and geopolitical maneuvering. While the commemoration of the defeat of Nazi Germany is a unifying event, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine casts a long shadow, underscoring the challenges of achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. The event serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of war and the importance of diplomacy in navigating international disputes.
Keywords: Russia, Victory Day, Moscow, Red Square, Vladimir Putin, World War II, Nazi Germany, Ukraine, War, Military Parade, Xi Jinping, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Drone Attacks, Ceasefire, War Crimes, International Relations, Geopolitics, Conflict, Anniversary, Soviet Union.