MOSCOW,
– The Victory Parade in Moscow is set to be in May,9 will welcome 29 foreign leaders, marking a significant diplomatic gathering as Russia commemorates 80 years since the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany.
High-Profile Attendance
Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov confirmed that leaders from Abkhazia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burkina Faso, China, Congo, Cuba, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Guinea Bissau, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Palestine, Serbia, Slovakia, South Ossetia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe will be present.
Among the most notable attendees is Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is expected to hold bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit. Other key figures include Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
Diplomatic Significance
The parade, held annually on May 9, is one of Russia’s most important national events, celebrating the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II. This year’s event carries additional weight as Moscow seeks to reinforce its global alliances amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The presence of leaders from Asia, Africa, and Latin America highlights Russia’s expanding diplomatic outreach, particularly as Western nations continue to impose sanctions over its military actions in Ukraine.
Security Concerns and International Reactions
The event comes amid heightened security concerns, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warning foreign dignitaries about potential risks associated with attending the parade. Reports indicate that Ukrainian drone strikes have targeted Moscow in recent days, prompting temporary airport closures and increased military defenses.
Despite these concerns, the Kremlin has assured that security measures are in place to protect attendees and ensure the parade proceeds without disruption.
Military Display and Symbolism
The Victory Parade will feature military units from 13 countries, including China, Egypt, and Vietnam. The event is expected to showcase Russia’s military strength, with a grand display of tanks, aircraft, and troops marching through Red Square.
As the world watches, the gathering of foreign leaders in Moscow underscores the shifting dynamics of global diplomacy, with Russia seeking to solidify its partnerships beyond traditional Western alliances.
