On May 9, 2025, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko extended heartfelt congratulations to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of Victory Day, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. This significant day marks the moment when the Soviet Union triumphed over Nazi Germany, a victory that Lukashenko emphasized as pivotal in the history of humanity.
In his message, published on the official portal of the Belarusian presidency, Lukashenko reflected on the sacrifices made by previous generations, stating, "Russians and Belarusians are united by pride for the steadfastness and courage of fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers who saved the world from Nazi enslavement." He underscored the importance of preserving the historical truth and memory of the Great Patriotic War, declaring it a "sacred duty" to ensure that these memories endure for centuries.
Lukashenko expressed confidence in the interstate Agreement on security guarantees, which came into effect in March, and highlighted the ongoing military and technical cooperation between Belarus and Russia as crucial for preventing the recurrence of past horrors. He stated, "Joint efforts aimed at promoting the initiatives of the Eurasian integration and multipolarity in the 21st century will lay the foundation for the architecture of equal and indivisible security on the continent."
On the same day, Lukashenko participated in a grand celebration in Moscow, where he witnessed a military parade that featured a Belarusian contingent of Special Operations Forces marching proudly across Red Square. The event, hosted by Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, was attended by over 20 heads of state, including leaders from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), China, Brazil, Slovakia, Serbia, Vietnam, Mongolia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Myanmar, and Equatorial Guinea, among others.
During the parade, Lukashenko stood alongside Putin and other foreign leaders, paying tribute to the fallen by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin. This solemn moment was marked by a minute of silence, honoring those who lost their lives in the conflict.
After the parade, Lukashenko shared his impressions with journalists, praising the event as "the best parade that you have held in the Russian Federation." He reflected on his experiences, saying, "I have never participated in Soviet parades - I was young. And I have seen all the Russian parades. And I can say that this is the most powerful parade."
Addressing concerns about the military equipment showcased during the parade, he acknowledged that some felt there was a lack of aerial displays, but explained, "You understand - it’s wartime. Therefore, it’s not the time to take equipment from the front lines to show here. They showed new models. We know this. We bought such equipment from the Russian Federation. Therefore, I was quite satisfied with what I saw."
Lukashenko also announced that Belarus would hold its own Victory Day parade later that evening in Minsk, stating, "We specially moved it to the evening because we needed to be in Moscow."
In a conversation with an NBC journalist, Lukashenko was asked whether Putin should agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine. He responded firmly, "President Putin generally shouldn't do anything for anyone. That you understand. That's the first thing. As for negotiations, I can say in his words. We spoke about this with him last time in Volgograd. They are ready for this. Russia has long been ready for peace."
He emphasized that the issue lies not with Russia, but with how the Americans and Europeans engage with the Ukrainians. "As soon as the Americans and Ukrainians decide that peace is needed, the Europeans will fall in line, and peace will come," he asserted.
When asked about the significance of Chinese President Xi Jinping's presence at the parade, Lukashenko noted, "The fact that President Xi Jinping came to this parade, you see correctly. There is not only symbolism in this. This is very important for the future world. This speaks to the fact that China and Russia will continue to develop and strengthen their union."
Lukashenko pointed out that the United States perceives this alliance as dangerous, stating, "The USA considers such a union dangerous because it is impossible to break it." He reiterated that Xi Jinping's attendance at the parade signifies a steadfast commitment to the partnership between China and Russia, which he believes is something the world must get used to.
Addressing the importance of remembering the Great Patriotic War, Lukashenko responded to external pressures to downplay its significance. "Some people are trying to manipulate the borders and that it is necessary to remember the Victory, otherwise it will return," he cautioned. He linked this sentiment to the current geopolitical climate, asserting, "They are preparing for war. They do not hide it. And as long as we hold the memory of that victory in our hearts and minds, we will defend our land just as our ancestors did in the war."
Following the parade, Lukashenko also engaged in a brief discussion with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who attended the celebrations despite attempts by the European Union to discourage his presence. Lukashenko praised Fico's commitment, stating, "I will say, he is a good guy! He said he would come – and he came!"
The events of May 9, 2025, not only celebrated a significant historical victory but also underscored the ongoing geopolitical dynamics and alliances in today's world. As leaders gathered to honor the past, their discussions hinted at the complexities of the present and future.
