Putin’s Victory Day Parade: A Global Stage Amid Ukraine’s Shadow

Introduction: A Parade of Power and Politics

On May 9, 2025, Moscow’s Red Square transformed into a grand theater of military might and geopolitical signaling as Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted his annual Victory Day parade, commemorating 80 years since the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany. With tanks rolling, drones on display, and over 11,500 troops marching, the event was more than a nod to history—it was a bold statement of Russia’s resilience amid its ongoing war in Ukraine. This year’s parade drew at least 27 world leaders, a sharp contrast to the sparse attendance of recent years, signaling Putin’s success in countering Western efforts to isolate him. But who showed up, and what does their presence mean in today’s tense global landscape? Let’s dive into the guest list, the symbolism, and the stakes of this high-profile event.

The Guest List: Who Stood with Putin?

The Kremlin’s Victory Day parade saw an eclectic mix of leaders, primarily from nations aligned with or sympathetic to Russia’s geopolitical stance. Here’s a breakdown of the notable attendees:

• China: Xi Jinping – The star guest, Chinese President Xi Jinping sat shoulder-to-shoulder with Putin, sporting the orange-and-black St. George ribbon, a symbol of Russian military pride. Over 100 Chinese troops marched in the parade, underscoring the deepening Russia-China alliance. Xi’s presence, coupled with bilateral talks and signed agreements, highlighted China’s role as Russia’s economic and strategic lifeline against Western sanctions.

• Brazil: Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva – Brazilian President Lula attended, aiming to position himself as a mediator in the Ukraine conflict. His presence, alongside a proposed peace plan with China, sparked debate, with Ukraine dismissing it as “destructive.” Lula’s visit emphasized Brazil’s balancing act between global south solidarity and Western ties.

• Slovakia: Robert Fico – The only EU leader present, Slovakia’s Moscow-friendly Prime Minister defied Brussels’ warnings. His attendance drew sharp criticism from EU figures like Poland’s Donald Tusk, who called it “shameful.” Fico’s handshake with Putin and his laying flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier signaled Slovakia’s divergence from EU consensus on Russia.

• Serbia: Aleksandar Vučić – Serbia’s President, navigating EU membership aspirations and historic ties to Russia, attended despite Brussels’ objections. His presence risked Serbia’s EU accession process, highlighting the delicate tightrope Belgrade walks between East and West.

• Belarus: Alexander Lukashenko – A staunch Russian ally, Belarus’ leader was a predictable attendee, reinforcing the Moscow-Minsk axis.

• Central Asian States – Leaders from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Armenia, and Azerbaijan were confirmed, reflecting Russia’s influence in the post-Soviet sphere. Their attendance was less surprising, given economic and security ties to Moscow.

• Other Nations – Leaders from Cuba (Miguel Díaz-Canel), Venezuela (Nicolás Maduro), Egypt (Abdel Fattah el-Sisi), Palestine (Mahmoud Abbas), Burkina Faso, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Abkhazia rounded out the list. These nations, often aligned with Russia’s anti-Western narrative or reliant on its support, underscored Putin’s outreach to the Global South and autocratic regimes.

• North Korea – While no head of state attended, North Korean generals were present, and Putin personally embraced one, acknowledging their troops’ role in Russia’s Kursk region. Their symbolic presence highlighted the growing Russia-North Korea military partnership.

Notably absent were Western leaders from traditional WWII allies like the U.S. and UK, with figures like Keir Starmer opting to support Ukraine instead. Russian state media speculated about U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s attendance, but the Kremlin and U.S. State Department clarified no such plans existed.

The Symbolism: Strength, Defiance, and Propaganda

Victory Day is Russia’s most sacred holiday, rooted in the Soviet Union’s staggering 27 million losses in WWII. Under Putin, it’s become a propaganda tool, equating Ukraine’s resistance to Nazi aggression and framing Russia’s invasion as a continuation of the “Great Patriotic War.” This year’s parade, the largest since the 2022 Ukraine invasion, featured modern drones, Yars missiles, and T-90M tanks—many used in Ukraine—signaling military prowess despite battlefield losses.

The presence of over 20 leaders was a coup for Putin, who has faced Western sanctions and an ICC arrest warrant. The Kremlin touted the turnout as proof that Russia isn’t isolated, with state media emphasizing ties with China and the Global South. Xi’s prominent role, alongside North Korean and Central Asian contingents, underscored Russia’s pivot to the East, positioning it as a counterweight to the “collective West.”

Security was unprecedented, with mobile internet jammed and snipers on Kremlin rooftops following Ukrainian drone strikes on Moscow earlier in the week. Putin’s three-day “humanitarian” truce, rejected by Ukraine as a “theatrical show,” was seen as a ploy to ensure the parade’s safety rather than a genuine peace gesture. Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned he couldn’t guarantee attendees’ safety, amplifying tensions.

What It Means: Geopolitical Fault Lines

The parade exposed stark global divisions. For Putin, the diverse guest list was a middle finger to Western isolation efforts, proving Russia retains allies across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. China’s Xi, by far the most significant attendee, reinforced the Sino-Russian axis as a challenge to U.S.-led hegemony. Meanwhile, Fico and Vučić’s presence highlighted cracks in European unity, with Slovakia and Serbia prioritizing historic or pragmatic ties over EU solidarity.

For Ukraine, the parade was a “parade of cynicism,” as Kyiv accused Russia of exploiting WWII’s legacy to justify aggression. European leaders, meeting in Lviv to back a war crimes tribunal against Russian officials, sent a clear counter-signal. Zelenskyy’s rejection of the truce and his call for a 30-day ceasefire underscored Kyiv’s distrust of Moscow’s intentions.

The event also reflected shifting U.S.-Russia dynamics under President Donald Trump, who has pushed for a 30-day ceasefire. While American media like CBS News were allowed to cover the parade—a sign of thawing relations—no U.S. officials attended, and Trump’s peace efforts remain stalled as Russia demands steep concessions.

Engaging the Reader: Why It Matters

Imagine a world leader choosing to stand with Putin under the shadow of war—what does that say about their priorities? For Xi, it’s about cementing a strategic partnership; for Lula, it’s a gamble on mediation; for Fico, it’s a defiance of EU norms. Each leader’s presence tells a story of pragmatism, ideology, or survival in a fractured world. As tanks rolled across Red Square, they carried not just military weight but the baggage of a global order in flux. Where do you stand on this spectacle of power?

Conclusion: A Parade with Lasting Echoes

Putin’s 2025 Victory Day parade was a masterclass in political theater, blending historical reverence with modern warfare’s grim reality. The attendance of leaders from China, Brazil, Slovakia, Serbia, and beyond showcased Russia’s ability to rally a coalition of the willing, even as Ukraine and the West pushed back. As the dust settles on Red Square, the parade’s implications linger: a strengthened Russia-China axis, a divided Europe, and a war in Ukraine with no end in sight. This wasn’t just a celebration of 1945—it was a blueprint for Putin’s vision of 2025 and beyond.

Thought Questions for Readers:

1. Does the presence of leaders like Xi Jinping and Lula da Silva signal a failure of Western efforts to isolate Russia, or is it merely symbolic posturing?

2. Should EU leaders like Robert Fico face consequences for attending the parade, and what does their presence say about European unity?

3. How can Ukraine and its allies counter Russia’s use of historical narratives like Victory Day to justify its actions in the ongoing war?

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