History of the parade:
On May 9th, Russia and other formerly Soviet states celebrate Victory Day. This was when the Soviet Union and allies beat Nazi Germany. During the late evening of May 8th, 1945, German Military Commanders signed an official unconditional surrender document to the U.S.S.R, ceasing all fighting on the Eastern front. In Europe, Liberation Day is celebrated on the 8th of May, which currently has caused a symbolic divide between Russia and the West.
The Victory Day Parade:
Russia’s celebrations this year included the usual flybys across cities and towns across the country, with the main military parade and display taking place in Moscow and the Red Square.
Putin at giving his Victory Day Parade speech. Image belongs to Copyright Holder. Image from – Mikhail Klimentyev/Sputnik/Reuters 
Ceremonial Marching band. Image belongs to Copyright Holder. Image from – Stanislav Krasilnikov/Sputnik/AP 
Image belongs to Copyright Holder. Image from – AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko 
Image belongs to Copyright Holder. Image from – Alexander Nemenov/AFP/Getty Images 
SU-25 Frogfoots forming the Russian flag over St. Basil’s Cathedral. Image belongs to Copyright Holder. Image from – Shamil Zhumatov/Reuters
A snowy parade took place in Moscow with a display of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile launchers, Air Force air displays, and a lone historic T-34 leading the parade. Over 9,000 personnel took part in the Moscow parade, with over 1,000 currently serving in the Russia-Ukraine frontlines.
Compared to past years, this military parade pales in comparison to the parades before the war in Ukraine. It seems that military resources take priority over the ceremony in Moscow. Despite the grandeur being toned down since 2022, the parade is still a time to unite the country and to honour those who died in World War 2.
Most former Soviet States also celebrate the day on the 9th of May. But countries like Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria, and Romania have ceased celebrating on the 9th. Instead, they changed the National holiday to the 8th of May. This is a symbol of alliance with Western countries and distancing from their Soviet past. Russia’s victory day parade has always maintained an aspect of military display and dominance. Ukraine and Moldova stopped celebrating Victory Day on the 9th of 2023, as the war in Ukraine forced them to ally with NATO and the West.
Foreign visits to Moscow:
Nine world leaders joined Russian President Putin at the victory parade. Especially leaders from post-Soviet countries Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Furthermore, the Russian-allied presidents of Cuba, Laos, and Guinea-Bissau joined the parade.
On Tuesday, President Putin swore in for his 5th term as President of Russia. He promised victory “For Russia and Russians”
Putin gave his usual thanks to those who thought for Russia and the Soviet Union to defeat fascism.
“We know what the exorbitance of such ambitions leads to. Russia will do everything to prevent a global clash. But at the same time, we will not allow anyone to threaten us. Our strategic forces are always in a state of combat readiness.”
Putin is giving the West a clear and simple message. Russia will always protect its interests and will avoid a war with NATO if NATO does not threaten Russia’s security.
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All Images belong to Copyright Holders.
Cover Image – Alexander Nemenov/AFP/Getty Images
