What's happened
On May 9, 2025, Russia marked the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany with a grand military parade in Moscow, attended by President Vladimir Putin and foreign leaders, including China's Xi Jinping. The event showcased military strength amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine, overshadowed by Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Moscow and disruptions at airports.
What's behind the headline?
Military Display and Political Messaging
- The parade featured over 11,500 troops and advanced military hardware, including drones and nuclear-capable missile launchers, signaling Russia's military readiness.
- Putin's rhetoric emphasized unity and strength, framing the current conflict in Ukraine as a continuation of the fight against fascism, a narrative he has used to rally domestic support.
International Implications
- The presence of leaders like Xi Jinping and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva highlights Russia's attempts to strengthen ties with non-Western nations amid isolation from the West.
- The event serves as a counter-narrative to Western perceptions of Russian military weakness, aiming to project confidence both domestically and internationally.
Ongoing Conflict
- Despite the celebratory tone, the backdrop of Ukrainian drone attacks and calls for a ceasefire underscore the ongoing volatility in the region. The juxtap of celebration and conflict raises questions about the sustainability of Russia's military efforts and the potential for escalation.
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, Putin's Victory Day speech emphasized that 'truth and justice are on our side,' reflecting his narrative of the war in Ukraine. The Independent noted that the parade included 27 foreign leaders, showcasing Russia's international alliances despite Western sanctions. The Guardian highlighted the significance of the military display, stating that it was the largest since the invasion began, with a focus on projecting strength. Al Jazeera reported that the event was overshadowed by Ukrainian drone attacks, indicating the ongoing tensions that persist despite the celebrations.
How we got here
Victory Day, celebrated on May 9, is Russia's most significant secular holiday, commemorating the Soviet Union's sacrifices during World War II. The event has been increasingly used by Putin to bolster national pride and justify the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has entered its fourth year.
Go deeper
- What were the key highlights of the parade?
- How did the international community react to the event?
- What are the implications of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine?
Common question
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Why is Russia Enforcing Internet Restrictions for Victory Day?
As Russia prepares for its annual Victory Day celebrations on May 9, the Kremlin has implemented mobile internet restrictions in several regions. This decision raises questions about the underlying security concerns, the involvement of foreign leaders, and the recent events that have led to these measures. Here’s what you need to know.
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What Happened at Russia's Victory Day Parade 2025?
On May 9, 2025, Russia celebrated the 80th anniversary of its victory over Nazi Germany with a grand military parade in Moscow. This event not only showcased Russia's military might but also drew attention from global leaders and highlighted ongoing tensions related to the Ukraine conflict. Here are some common questions people have about this significant event.
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What are the implications of Xi Jinping's visit to Moscow for China-Russia relations?
Xi Jinping's recent visit to Moscow coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany has raised many questions about the future of China-Russia relations. As tensions with the U.S. continue to escalate, this visit signifies a strategic partnership that could reshape global geopolitics. Below are some common questions regarding this significant diplomatic engagement.
More on these topics
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Xi Jinping is a Chinese politician serving as the general secretary of the Communist Party of China, president of the People's Republic of China, and chairman of the Central Military Commission.
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Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, known as Lula, is a Brazilian politician and former union leader who served as the 35th President of Brazil from 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2010.
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Moscow is the capital and largest city of Russia. The megacity stands on the Moskva River in the central portion of Western Russia, with a population estimated at 12.6 million residents within the city limits, while over 17 million residents in the urban
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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North Korea, officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia constituting the northern part of the Korean Peninsula.
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World War II, also known as the Second World War, was a global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all the great powers—forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis.
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Nazi Germany, officially known as the German Reich until 1943 and Greater German Reich in 1943–45, was the German state between 1933 and 1945, when Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party controlled the country which they transformed into a dictatorship.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.