Russia recently commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II with a significant military parade. Remarkably, there were no reports of Ukrainian attacks during the celebration, even amid three years of ongoing conflict.
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President Vladimir Putin, Russia’s longest-serving leader since Josef Stalin, stood alongside China’s Xi Jinping and various other dignitaries, including Russian veterans, on a covered platform near Lenin’s mausoleum as troops marched by. He emphasized, “We will never accept attempts to belittle the Soviet Union’s decisive role in defeating Nazi Germany,” while also acknowledging the contributions of Western allies in the fight against Adolf Hitler.
Putin remarked, “The Soviet Union took upon itself the most ferocious, merciless blows of the enemy,” a testament to the profound sacrifices made during the war.
In the heart of the parade, a lineup of Soviet-era T-34 tanks rumbled across Red Square. Notably, Putin refrained from directly criticizing the West and only briefly referenced the war in Ukraine, which continues to cast a shadow over the festivities.
Over 11,500 troops participated in the parade, including 1,500 veterans from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The event showcased drones—one of the war’s most significant technological innovations—as well as tanks and intercontinental Yars missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
Despite Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow leading up to the event, there were no major incidents during a 72-hour ceasefire declared by Putin. Vietnamese servicemen also marched, highlighting the international participation in the celebrations.
The Soviet Union endured immense losses during WWII, with approximately 27 million lives lost, many from Ukraine. These sacrifices paved the way for the Allies’ victory, culminating in the fall of Berlin and the raising of the Soviet Victory Banner over the Reichstag in 1945.
Furthermore, Chinese historians report that around 35 million lives were lost in their conflict with Japan from 1937 to 1945, which brought significant suffering and displacement to millions. Accurate casualty numbers for the current war in Ukraine remain elusive, yet estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands may have died or been injured, as cited by figures such as former U.S. President Donald Trump.
For Russia, May 9 is a sacred date, marking what is referred to as the Great Patriotic War. It has become a pivotal tool for Putin to unify the nation, especially in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Kremlin views the presence of allies like Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the celebration as a sign that Russia is not isolated, despite the absence of traditional Western allies.
Chinese troops participated in the parade, and Putin extended greetings to North Korean military officers, praising their combat skills. This participation underscores the deepening ties between Russia and its allies as they confront geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, Trump has called for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, warning of further sanctions should the truce not hold.
The proposed 72-hour ceasefire was set for May 8-10; however, Ukraine alleged that Russia violated it—a claim Moscow dismissed as absurd. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged allies to assist in resisting Russian aggression, stating, “Evil cannot be appeased. It must be fought.” He labeled the Victory Day parade a “parade of cynicism” and added, “There is just no other way to describe it. A parade of bile and lies.”
Read more: Ukraine says Russia hit eight villages 220 times during ceasefire
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
