MOSCOW – Military Parade Commemorates WWII Victory
On Saturday, President Vladimir Putin presided over a military parade in Red Square, marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II while expressing optimism about victory in Ukraine. Notably, this year’s event was devoid of heavy weaponry for the first time in almost two decades.
Security measures were high in Moscow as Putin and various foreign leaders attended the scaled-back parade. This came amid a three-day ceasefire brokered by the United States, which alleviated concerns about potential disruptions from Ukraine during the celebrations.
With more than 25 years in power, Putin has turned Victory Day into an opportunity to showcase Russia’s military strength and bolster support for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has now entered its fifth year. In his speech, he commended Russian troops engaged in Ukraine, asserting they were combating an “aggressive army” backed by NATO and fighting for a “noble cause.”
Putin declared, “Victory has always been and always will be ours,” as he gazed at the troops lined up in Red Square. He emphasized that the keys to their success lay in moral strength, courage, solidarity, and resilience.
This year’s parade was distinct due to the absence of tanks, missiles, and other heavy equipment typically featured, as well as the traditional flyovers by fighter jets. Officials attributed this change to “current operational conditions,” citing added security in light of potential threats to Ukraine. State television suggested that heavy weapons were more critically needed on the battlefield.
In an interesting twist, the parade also highlighted North Korean soldiers for the first time; they participated in a show of support, given their involvement in the conflict alongside Russian forces to counter a Ukrainian invasion of the Kursk region.
Despite both Russia and Ukraine declaring ceasefires, ongoing exchanges of blame for continued attacks persisted, undermining any sense of truce. U.S. President Donald Trump announced an agreement for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange, hinting it could signal “the beginning of the end” of the war.
Earlier this week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy pointed out concerns regarding drones over Red Square. Following Trump’s comments, he mockingly allowed Russia to proceed with the celebrations while temporarily restricting access to Red Square due to the ongoing conflict.
In reaction, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed Zelenskiy’s declarations as a “ridiculous joke,” insisting that Russia didn’t require any approval to celebrate Victory Day.
As the military continues a gradual push along a lengthy front line exceeding 1,000 kilometers, Ukraine has retaliated with effective long-range assaults targeting Russian energy and military infrastructures. They’ve reportedly developed drones capable of striking targets well beyond their previous range, deep within Russia.
Russian authorities warned that any disruption during Saturday’s events would provoke “massive missile strikes” against Kyiv, urging civilians and workers in diplomatic missions to evacuate the city. Meanwhile, EU representatives stated they would not abandon the Ukrainian capital despite the threats.
Putin leverages Victory Day as a means to foster national pride and project Russia’s global power. The Soviet Union endured massive losses—27 million lives—during the Great Patriotic War, which deeply affects the national consciousness and serves as a unifying memory amidst a history of division.
“We celebrate with pride and love for our homeland, acknowledging our duty to safeguard its future,” Putin stated during the celebrations. He recognized the tremendous sacrifices made by soldiers who fought valiantly for the freedom of Europe, noting their embodiment of courage and humanity.
Since 2008, the Victory Day parades have typically included an array of heavy weaponry, but many smaller scale events have been curbed or canceled for safety reasons. This year, the government imposed restrictions on mobile internet and texting in the capital to ensure public security, illustrating the increasing controls on online activity and the resulting public discontent.
Several foreign leaders, including Malaysia’s King and leaders from Kazakhstan, Laos, Uzbekistan, and Belarus, participated in the festivities in Moscow. Slovakia’s Prime Minister laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier but did not join the main parade. During talks with Putin, he expressed concern over EU sanctions affecting trade and highlighted Russia’s energy importance to Slovakia.
