Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed world leaders to Moscow’s Red Square for a grand military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The event showcased Russia’s military might and highlighted its alliances amid growing isolation due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. President Xi Jinping of China led the foreign dignitaries, underscoring the strong ties between the two nations.
The parade featured over 11,500 Russian troops, along with a display of Soviet-era and modern tanks. A Russian Geranium-2 drone, produced using an Iranian design, made its debut in the show. This year’s event was larger than in previous years since the Ukraine war began in 2022.
Global Attendance
The guest list expanded beyond former Soviet states. Leaders from Brazil, Egypt, Venezuela, Palestine, and Serbia attended. Notably, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, representing an EU member state, was also present, defying the EU’s stance against Russia.
This diverse attendance demonstrated that Russia still maintains strong international relationships despite Western opposition. The presence of these leaders sent a clear message about Russia’s continued global influence.