President Vladimir V. concluded the Victory Day parade in Red Square on Friday, an epic celebration of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany 80 years ago, which has been used to highlight the glory of Russia's past and justify the war with Ukraine.
Sitting with Putin in the stand built before the spirit us of Vladimir Lenin, leaders of China, Brazil and more than 20 other states, is the Kremlin's efforts to show that the “Global South” country aims to present counterweights to the west.
They saw a procession of thousands of soldiers and dozens of armored vehicles, tanks and nuclear missile launchers. A regiment of Chinese soldiers marched in the red square in front of the crimson walls of the Kremlin.
Why is this year's parade important?
The parade was expected to be the largest since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russia welcomed the most foreign officials since 2015, and their participation or absence was considered a barometer of rebellion or loyalty to the West.
At the end of April, Putin announced a three-day unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine starting May 8th, recording the celebration. Ukrainian President Volodimia Zelensky rejected the proposal, calling it a “theater show” and proposed a 30-day ceasefire that could allow what he called a meaningful negotiation to end the war. Zelensky also said Ukraine would not provide security guarantees to guests at Moscow's parade.
Over the days leading up to the day of victory in Russia, Ukraine increased its attempts to attack Moscow and its surrounding areas, leading to speculation that the parade itself could be targeted. Russia has recently targeted Ukrainian cities, including Kiev.
“It is perfectly fair that the Russian sky, the invader sky, is still unsettled today,” Zelensky said in a speech Wednesday.
What does that mean to Russia?
The parade commemorates the annual public holidays that have traditionally transcended many sectors of Russia as an expression of national pride. The Soviet Union lost more than 26 million lives during the war and touched almost every family.
However, after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the parade and its surrounding grand celebrations have been transformed into a point of division since Russia.
The Kremlin tried to justify the invasion by falsely claiming that the Kiev government was hijacked by Nazi groups. Zelensky was of Jewish origin, his grandfather fought in the war and members of his extended family died in the Holocaust.
Historical perspective
The Western countries have held their own victory day in European celebrations, but on Thursday. The difference comes from the time difference between Moscow and Berlin. It was already past midnight in Moscow when Nazi Germany signed an unconditional surrender.
The differences have become iconic, dividing the original allies and their celebration into two distinctive camps. For example, since 2023, Ukraine has also celebrated May 8th, symbolizing the rupture of Russia and its Soviet past.
The importance of victory day for Putin
Putin has a deep personal history related to the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. His brother Victor died in Diffteria at the German siege orphanage in Leningrad during World War II, where he was buried in the tombs of the masses there. Putin's father was seriously injured and his mother almost died of starvation.
Putin says his parents had no hatred of the Germans, but it was different for his generation.
“We were raised in Soviet books, films,” Putin wrote. “And we hated it.”
Russia's Victory Day Parade
The first Victory Day Parade was held in 1945 shortly after the surrender of Germany. May 9th has been declared a national holiday. Stalin, who ruled the Soviet Union over him, put an end to the parade until it was returned regularly in 1965.
Since 1965, victory over Nazism gradually became the cornerstone of the accidental Soviet and Russian rituals. Still, the parades are organized only sporadically, and have only since 2008 have become an annual grand showcase of military power.
Friday's parade represents Russia's transformation over the past 20 years. In 2005, many Western leaders were present, including President George W. Bush, signifying the Russian Alliance during the war. However, on Friday, Chinese leader Xi Jinping will become the main guest of honor.
The chaos in Moscow
Moscow was stagnant all the way to the parade. The airport was repeatedly closed due to Ukraine's drone attacks, causing chaos. According to the Russian Association of Travel Agents, the disruption has affected more than 60,000 passengers.
The city has blocked main streets for vehicles and pedestrian traffic. Mobile phone connections have been repeatedly confused, causing chaos in the city's services, including taxis and delivery. Many businesses were forced to shut down for the grand rehearsal on Wednesday and for the parade itself on Friday.
