Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to deliver a major address at the upcoming Victory Day parade in Moscow, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. The event, scheduled for Friday, is expected to be the most extravagant in history, as Putin seeks to rally domestic support for Russia’s ongoing military operations in Ukraine.
The parade comes more than three years into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, and follows a recent wave of deadly attacks on Ukrainian targets, including an airstrike campaign in April. Despite international calls for peace, Russia has maintained its offensive, which has resulted in significant casualties on both sides.
In a move to coincide with the event, Putin has ordered a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine, though Ukrainian officials have dismissed it as a gesture aimed solely at the parade. “This ceasefire is just for the parade,” Ukraine said, expressing skepticism about its effectiveness.
Putin has used World War II narratives to justify his military campaign in Ukraine, portraying the invasion as part of a broader struggle to “de-Nazify” the country. He has also criticized the West for failing to recognize the Soviet Union’s role in defeating Nazi forces.
The event, which celebrates the victory over Nazi Germany, will see leaders from around 20 countries, including China’s Xi Jinping, attending the ceremony. There are also reports that North Korean troops, who have supported Russian forces in Ukraine, may participate in the parade for the first time.
However, the parade is overshadowed by Russia’s military losses, which have been evident in previous Victory Day celebrations. Last year, only one tank was featured in the event, a symbol of Russia’s ongoing struggles on the battlefield.
As Moscow prepares for the commemoration, there are growing concerns about the impact of the ongoing conflict, with Ukrainian officials accusing Russian troops of war crimes and questioning the motives behind the parade.
