2025-05-09T13:54:24Z

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In a grand display of military might, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping stood shoulder to shoulder on May 9, 2023, during a significant military parade held in Moscow's iconic Red Square. This event commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two. Notably absent from the celebrations were any reports of Ukrainian attacks, despite the ongoing three-year conflict between Russia and Ukraine, underscoring the tense geopolitical climate.

President Xi's presence in Moscow symbolized the deepening ties between Beijing and Moscow, particularly as they seek to counter what Xi has referred to as the "bullying" behavior of other global powers. As Putin, who has become the longest-serving Russian leader since Joseph Stalin, addressed the audience, he recognized the crucial role the Soviet Union played in the defeat of Nazi Germany while also acknowledging the contributions of the Western Allies in this monumental struggle.

In his remarks, Putin stated, "The Soviet Union took upon itself the most ferocious, merciless blows of the enemy." He emphasized the importance of honoring the sacrifices made by soldiers from the Allied forces, including the courageous Chinese, who fought for a peaceful future. This sentiment reflects Russia’s ongoing narrative about its role in World War Two, aiming to rile patriotic sentiments amid the current war with Ukraine.

The military parade itself featured an impressive lineup of over 11,500 troops, including 1,500 personnel who had actively served in the Ukraine conflict. This year’s event also marked the first time that drones—one of the most significant technological advancements in modern warfare—were showcased, alongside tanks and intercontinental Yars missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Although recent days had seen drone attacks on Moscow, the Kremlin declared a 72-hour ceasefire, allowing the celebrations to proceed without disruption.

During the festivities, President Putin extended a warm welcome to Xi for discussions aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties. The historical context of this commemoration is profound; the Soviet Union endured immense losses during the war, suffering approximately 27 million casualties, including many in Ukraine. Conversely, China contends that it lost around 35 million individuals during the Second Sino-Japanese War from 1937 to 1945, a conflict marked by significant hardship and atrocities, such as the infamous Nanjing Massacre.

The situation in Ukraine remains dire, with no official casualty numbers being released from either Russia or Ukraine regarding the ongoing conflict. However, former U.S. President Donald Trump, advocating for peace, has estimated that hundreds of thousands of soldiers have been either killed or injured on both sides.

Victory Day holds particular significance in Russia, where it represents the triumph over fascism and has been instrumental in shaping national identity. May 9, referred to as the Great Patriotic War Day, is celebrated as a sacred occasion for many in Russia and former Soviet republics. Putin has utilized this annual event to foster a sense of unity among Russians, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The Kremlin emphasizes that the presence of allied leaders, including Xi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, signifies that Russia is not as isolated as some may believe, despite the absence of leaders from Western nations who once fought alongside the Soviets in World War Two. Notably, Chinese troops participated in the parade, and Putin shared a handshake with North Korean officers, praising their military prowess. This gesture underscores the burgeoning military cooperation between Russia and its allies amidst the ongoing conflict.

Amidst this backdrop, Trump has called for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, signaling a potential avenue for renewed negotiations. Despite Putin's declaration of a ceasefire during the Victory Day festivities, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy asserted that Russia had violated the truce, a claim Moscow has dismissed as unfounded. In response to the celebrations, Zelenskiy described the parade as “a parade of cynicism” and reaffirmed his commitment to resisting Russian aggression, stating, “Evil cannot be appeased. It must be fought,” as reported by the Kyiv Post.