President Vladimir Putin declared Russia an “indestructible barrier against Nazism” while drawing parallels between World War II and the current Ukraine conflict during Moscow’s Victory Day parade.
At a Glance
- Putin addressed attendees at a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat
- The Russian president vowed victory in Ukraine, comparing it to the Soviet Union’s WWII triumph
- Chinese President Xi Jinping and other allies attended, with 1,500 Ukraine veterans participating
- Putin ordered a temporary ceasefire for the celebrations, but Ukraine reported continued attacks
- Security was heightened amid drone attacks on Moscow before the parade
Putin’s Defiant Address
Speaking at Moscow’s Red Square on May 9th, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a forceful message linking Russia’s current military operations in Ukraine to the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany 80 years ago. The annual Victory Day parade, marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, featured military hardware including new tanks and attack drones. Putin has consistently used the Soviet war narrative to justify Russia’s offensive in Ukraine, which began in 2022 and has resulted in significant casualties and territorial occupation.
Putin’s rhetoric emphasized Russia’s historical role as a bulwark against harmful ideologies. “Russia has been and will remain an indestructible barrier against Nazism, Russophobia and anti-Semitism,” Putin declared to the assembled crowd of military personnel and foreign dignitaries. This language mirrors the justification Moscow has used for its Ukraine offensive, though Kyiv, Western nations, and independent experts reject Russia’s claims of “de-Nazifying” Ukraine as unfounded.
International Support and Military Display
The parade featured unprecedented international participation, with Chinese President Xi Jinping prominently attending alongside Putin. The two leaders held talks prior to the event, underscoring their strengthening alliance amid Western opposition. Additionally, North Korean military commanders were greeted by Putin, acknowledging their assistance in recapturing territory in the Kursk region. For the first time, Chinese troops participated in the military parade, signaling growing military cooperation between Moscow and Beijing.
“The whole country, society and people support the participants of the special military operation,” Putin stated. “We are proud of their bravery and determination, of the fortitude that has always brought us only victory.”
The military display featured approximately 1,500 troops who had fought in Ukraine, showcasing Russia’s commitment to its military operation. Security measures were significantly heightened during the celebrations due to concerns about possible Ukrainian attacks. The parade displayed Russia’s military might with tanks, missiles, and attack drones prominently featured, reflecting Putin’s emphasis on military preparedness against perceived external threats.
Ceasefire Violations and Continued Conflict
Despite Putin ordering a temporary halt to attacks on Ukraine for the Victory Day celebrations, Ukrainian officials accused Russia of violating the truce almost immediately. Ukraine launched drone attacks on Moscow before the parade, causing disruptions to air traffic and heightening tensions. A Ukrainian drone reportedly struck a government building in Russia’s Belgorod region, injuring two people and demonstrating the continued hostilities despite the ceremonial pause in fighting.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a gathering of European leaders to discuss sending troops to Ukraine for a potential broader ceasefire. Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers met in Ukraine to support the creation of a tribunal for Russian accountability. Kyiv criticized Russia’s May 9 celebrations, claiming they are unrelated to the actual victory over Nazism in 1945 and instead serve as propaganda for the current conflict. The opposing narratives highlight the deep divisions that continue to fuel the ongoing military conflict in the region.
