In celebration of the 80th anniversary of “Victory Day,” Vladimir Putin hosted an impressive banquet at the Kremlin on Thursday.
Putin welcomed Chinese leader Xi Jinping, along with about 30 other allies, to Moscow for the Victory Day parade, which commemorates the end of World War II and emphasizes the Soviet Union’s role, often downplaying the contributions of the United States.
At the banquet, Putin entertained various heads of state and officials ahead of Friday’s parade. Notable attendees included Xi Jinping from China, Brazil’s Lula da Silva, Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, Cuba’s Miguel Díaz-Canel, Belarus’s Alexander Lukashenko, and Serbia’s Aleksandar Vučić.
Also in attendance were India’s Minister of Defense and Myanmar’s leader, along with Laureano Ortega Murillo, the son of Nicaragua’s ruling couple.
During his speech, Putin described May 9 as “a sacred day for our multinational people,” asserting that the Soviet Union was crucial in defeating Nazism and that history’s truth is untouchable.
He emphasized the importance of remembering allies and noted that victory was achieved through collective efforts across various nations. He then called for leveraging the United Nations to foster global cooperation, asserting that its role is becoming increasingly essential.
Putin highlighted that the discussions at various summits, including one in Kazan, reflect the significance of diverse perspectives and mutual respect in international affairs.
He advocated for justice and equality, urging the global community to unite in addressing common challenges for future generations, expressing that this collaboration would lead to lasting peace and equal opportunities.
Reportedly, Brazilian leader Lula da Silva attempted to position himself as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine, engaging in a brief discussion with Putin during the banquet. Following the parade, he criticized tariff policies affecting national sovereignty.
As for the menu, the banquet featured a range of traditional Russian and international dishes, such as crab salad, veal borscht, sturgeon dumplings, and Karelia fish soup with caviar. Guests also enjoyed halibut, venison medallions, and a selection of desserts including apple pie with ice cream.
