China’s Xi stands next to Putin at Russia’s Victory Day parade

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin stood side by side on Friday as thousands of Russian troops and military vehicles paraded through Moscow’s Red Square in celebration of Victory Day. This year marked the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, with over 11,500 troops and more than 180 military vehicles on display, including tanks, armored infantry vehicles, and artillery used in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Drones that Russia has deployed in the war were also showcased during the event.

“We are proud of their courage and determination, their spiritual force that always has brought us victory,” Putin said about the Russian troops fighting in the war. The parade was a display of military might and a tribute to those who have sacrificed in the ongoing conflict.

The celebrations were not without controversy, as Ukrainian authorities reported Russian strikes on Friday that killed at least two people and damaged buildings in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. This came despite Putin declaring a three-day ceasefire with Ukraine last month ahead of the Victory Day celebrations.

President Xi Jinping’s presence at the parade signaled China’s support for Russia amid international tensions. Prior to the parade, Putin and Xi held talks about the conflict, emphasizing the need for peace and stability in the region. Other world leaders in attendance included Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, and Slovakia Prime Minister Robert Fico.

After the parade, Putin shook hands with Russian military officers and spoke with senior North Korean officers who watched the event. North Korea’s deployment alongside Russian troops in the conflict was acknowledged and praised by Putin, highlighting the international dynamics at play in the ongoing crisis.

Overall, the Victory Day parade in Moscow was a display of military strength, remembrance of past sacrifices, and a reminder of the complex geopolitical landscape in which these events unfold. As tensions continue to simmer in the region, the international community watches closely for any signs of progress towards peace and resolution.