Russia marks 80 years since Nazi defeat with Victory Day parade amid drone attacks from Ukraine

This year’s celebrations showed how Russia is trying to showcase its strength and build ties with countries outside the West, as its war in Ukraine continues into the fourth year. According to the Associated Press (AP), this year’s parade was the biggest since the Ukraine conflict began and drew high-level guests like Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Both sat next to Putin during the ceremony.

Foreign leaders attend a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Alexander Garden after the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia. (AP)

Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, told AP that the attendance of so many leaders “shows that Russia is not isolated” and that “Russia is seen as a legitimate victorious nation in World War II.” He said the presence of Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico was also significant and “a public relations victory for Putin.”

Russia refers to World War II as the Great Patriotic War, during which the Soviet Union lost around 27 million people. The memory of that loss still affects many Russians today. Putin praised the Russian army currently fighting in Ukraine, saying, “We are proud of their courage and determination,” according to AP.

Gabuev told AP that Putin uses Victory Day to promote “patriotism, nationalism, and nostalgia,” as well as to justify “his government and foreign policy.”

Over 11,500 soldiers and more than 180 military vehicles took part in the parade, AP reported. Large intercontinental missiles, battlefield tanks, and drones used in Ukraine were also shown. Military jets flew overhead in formation, with some trailing smoke in the colours of the Russian flag.

Egyptian servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia. (AP)

After the parade, Putin greeted military leaders and spoke with North Korean officers. AP said that one North Korean officer was hugged by Putin.

Ukraine rejects ceasefire call

Meanwhile, the celebrations were affected by Ukrainian drone attacks. According to AP, flights to and from Moscow were cancelled or delayed, and security was tightened. Mobile internet was also affected due to electronic jamming.

Russia’s unilateral three-day ceasefire around Victory Day celebrations was breached hundreds of times. Several civilians were killed and injured in guided bomb attacks against Ukrainian cities too. Ukraine rejected Russia’s proposal, calling it “political manipulation” aimed at ensuring the safe conduct of Moscow’s parade, as per CNN report.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that his country wouldn’t “play games” to create a favorable atmosphere for Putin’s celebrations. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump reiterated his call for a 30-day ceasefire, threatening fresh sanctions if not respected.

In a recent phone call, Trump and Zelenskyy discussed the ongoing conflict, with Trump emphasizing the need for a ceasefire. Ukraine had already agreed to a US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, but Russia refused to sign up. The conflict escalated further when Ukraine launched drone attacks against Moscow, temporarily shutting down all four airports.

EU leaders meet in Ukraine

While Russia held its parade, officials from several European countries met in Lviv, western Ukraine. They supported the idea of creating a special court to try Russian leaders for war crimes.

On Friday, Ukraine reported Russian attacks that killed two people in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. A drone also hit a car in Zaporizhzhia, injuring a man and his wife.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the Lviv meeting, “Russia needs to feel our common and growing strength,” according to AP. He said Europe has a “moral duty” to hold Russia accountable.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said, “This tribunal will allow for the fight against impunity,” and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said it will ensure “nobody can be left unpunished for the crimes committed,” AP reported. Most of Europe marks the end of World War II on 8 May.

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