What's happened
On May 9, 2025, Vladimir Putin hosted leaders from over 20 countries, including Xi Jinping and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, for the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. The event aimed to showcase Russia's global alliances despite ongoing military struggles in Ukraine and economic challenges at home.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Alliances
- Show of Strength: The presence of leaders from countries like China and Brazil signals an attempt by Russia to project strength and foster alliances against Western influence.
- Military Display: Despite the grand military showcase, Russia's actual battlefield performance in Ukraine has been underwhelming, raising questions about the effectiveness of its military strategy.
Economic Context
- Economic Struggles: Russia's economy is facing challenges, including falling oil prices and high interest rates, which complicate its ability to sustain military operations.
- Dependence on Allies: As Western sanctions continue to isolate Russia, the Kremlin is increasingly reliant on support from non-Western nations, particularly China.
Future Implications
- Geopolitical Shifts: The event may signal a shift in global alliances, with Russia seeking to strengthen ties with countries that oppose Western policies.
- Continued Conflict: The ongoing war in Ukraine is likely to persist, with both sides entrenched in their positions, complicating any potential for peace negotiations.
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, the event was attended by over 20 international leaders, including Xi Jinping and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, highlighting Russia's attempts to maintain global influence despite Western isolation. The Moscow Times noted that the parade would feature soldiers from 13 foreign countries, emphasizing Russia's reliance on allies amid its military struggles. Bloomberg reported that the outcome of the war in Ukraine remains uncertain, with Russia's military not achieving decisive victories, which casts a shadow over the significance of the Victory Day celebrations. The South China Morning Post pointed out that Putin's reliance on the historical narrative of Soviet triumph is increasingly seen as a means to legitimize his actions in Ukraine, despite the ongoing conflict's toll on Russian forces.
How we got here
The Victory Day parade commemorates the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany, a significant event in Russian history. In recent years, Putin has leveraged this occasion to bolster national pride amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has seen Russia facing significant military and economic setbacks.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of this event for Russia's international relations?
- How has the war in Ukraine affected Russia's economy?
- What reactions have other countries had to the Victory Day parade?
Common question
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What Happened at Putin's Victory Day Parade and Who Attended?
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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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