Russia Marks 80th Victory Day with Military Parade Amid Ukraine Conflict

On May 9, 2025, Russia held a large Victory Day parade in Moscow’s Red Square, featuring thousands of troops, military vehicles, and nuclear-capable missile systems, with President Vladimir Putin joined by leaders including Xi Jinping and Brazil’s Lula da Silva. Putin linked Russia’s WWII victory to its ongoing war in Ukraine, justifying military actions amid continued Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow and missile strikes in Ukraine. The parade highlighted Russia’s military resolve and its alliances, while Western nations condemned the event and pushed for accountability over war crimes.

Background & Context

Victory Day on May 9 commemorates the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II and has become Russia’s most significant public holiday. This event is leveraged by the Russian government to foster national pride and draw parallels between historical victories and its current military campaign in Ukraine. The Russia Ukraine war, which intensified with Russia’s 2022 invasion, has severely strained international relations, prompting Western sanctions, substantial military aid to Ukraine, and efforts to hold Russian leadership accountable through international tribunals. Russia’s alliances with countries such as China and North Korea reflect a broader geopolitical strategy amidst growing isolation.

Despite multiple ceasefire proposals by Russia, these have been met with skepticism and violations by Ukraine and its allies. Peace negotiations continue amid complex disputes over territorial sovereignty, sanctions, and security guarantees. Western nations, including the US and members of the European Union, remain steadfast in their military and diplomatic support for Ukraine. The Victory Day parade is viewed by Ukraine and its supporters as a propaganda tool, while international observers warn that the conflict and Russia NATO tensions persist, fueling global security concerns.

Key Developments & Timeline

The Russia Ukraine war entered a significant phase during the May 2025 Victory Day period, highlighting both military displays and ongoing combat operations amid strained international relations and geopolitical tensions.

May 8–10, 2025: Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a 72-hour unilateral ceasefire for Victory Day celebrations, though adherence was limited with ongoing regional hostilities continuing.
Leading up to May 9, 2025: Ukrainian drone attacks targeted Moscow airports, causing closures and heightened security disruptions during the Victory Day events.
May 9, 2025: Moscow hosted its largest Victory Day military parade since the war began, featuring over 11,500 troops, more than 180 military vehicles, and displays of nuclear-capable ballistic missiles and drones used in Ukraine.
May 9, 2025: President Putin attended the parade alongside key international leaders including China’s Xi Jinping and Brazil’s Lula da Silva. Putin linked Russia’s historic WWII victory to its current military campaign in Ukraine, using the event as a propaganda tool to bolster domestic support.
May 9, 2025: Russia claimed that Russia-backed North Korean troops participating in the Ukraine conflict were honored in the parade, emphasizing Russia’s extended military alliances.
May 9, 2025: Ukraine condemned the Moscow Victory Day events as propaganda, and President Zelenskyy stated his administration could not guarantee the safety of foreign leaders attending in Russia.
May 2025: Intense fighting and Russian missile attacks persisted in eastern Ukraine regions such as Donetsk, Kyiv, and Kharkiv despite ceasefire efforts. Western nations including the EU and UK convened in Lviv, backing the establishment of a tribunal to hold Putin and other Russian officials accountable for war crimes.

This period underscores the highly volatile nature of the conflict with ongoing military offensives complemented by strategic propaganda and international diplomatic efforts. The Victory Day celebrations in Moscow served both as a demonstration of Russia’s military prowess and a reminder of the Russia NATO tensions and nuclear threats shaping the broader Russia geopolitical conflict. Questions about escalation, including will Russia use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, continue to dominate global security discourse.

Official Statements & Analysis

On May 9, 2025, Russia commemorated the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany with an impressive military parade in Moscow’s Red Square, featuring 11,500 troops, more than 180 military vehicles, and nuclear-capable missile systems. President Vladimir Putin, joined by key allies such as China’s Xi Jinping and Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, used the occasion to justify Russia’s ongoing military campaign, drawing parallels between World War II and the current Russia Ukraine war. Despite this show of strength, Ukraine condemned the parade as propaganda, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticizing Russia’s narrative and warning of security risks for foreign dignitaries attending. The event was shadowed by Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow’s airports and continued Russian missile strikes in eastern Ukraine.

International responses included strong condemnation, with Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas stressing the importance of establishing a tribunal to hold Putin and other officials accountable for war crimes, while British MP David Lammy asserted that peace advocates cannot align with Putin. The parade underscored Moscow’s military capabilities and alliances, including the presence of Russia-backed North Korean troops, against a backdrop of heightened tensions, persistent Russian missile attacks, and diplomatic instability. Residents in conflict zones must maintain vigilance, safeguarding access to essential utilities and medical aid amid ongoing threats, as the geopolitical conflict and humanitarian crisis continue to deepen.

Conclusion

The May 9, 2025, Victory Day parade underscored Russia’s determination to project military strength amid the ongoing Russia Ukraine war, with symbolic displays of nuclear-capable missile systems and strong international partnerships, notably with China and North Korea. While Moscow highlighted historical parallels to justify its actions, Ukrainian drone attacks and continued missile strikes reveal the intense and unresolved nature of the conflict. With Western support for Ukraine growing and geopolitical alliances deepening, the war’s continuation poses significant risks of escalation, including nuclear threats, making preparedness and vigilance essential in this volatile geopolitical landscape.

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