On May 9, 2025, Moscow will host its annual Victory Day parade, a significant event that symbolizes Russia's military prowess and historical legacy. This year, the parade is expected to showcase an unprecedented level of international participation, with around 30 world leaders in attendance, primarily from developing nations. Notably, the event will feature a substantial increase in military hardware, with over 130 units of military equipment set to be displayed, marking a threefold increase compared to last year.
Among the prominent guests is Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who arrived in Russia on May 4, bringing along Chinese military personnel to participate in the festivities. Xi's presence is seen as a strategic move to reinforce China's ties with Russia, especially amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. His arrival also serves as a pointed reminder to the United States, particularly to former President Donald Trump, who has previously sought to cultivate a friendship with Putin.
Other leaders expected to attend include Brazil's President Inacio Lula, who is now able to visit Moscow after previously canceling plans due to health issues. Countries such as Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar, which have close ties to China, are also sending representatives, signaling a shift in diplomatic relations as Russia appears to break its recent diplomatic isolation.
However, not all invited guests are attending. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev canceled his visit at the last minute, citing commitments to internal events honoring his father, while the President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, is unable to travel due to a coronavirus diagnosis. Additionally, India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh declined to participate, reflecting the hesitancy of some nations to engage with Russia amidst its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Despite the high-profile attendance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a stark warning to the foreign leaders attending the parade. He stated that Ukraine cannot guarantee the safety of these representatives during their visit, emphasizing the ongoing war and the violent backdrop against which the parade is taking place. Zelensky's comments highlight the precarious nature of international relations for countries considering engagement with Russia.
The parade itself will feature a wide array of military displays, including columns of armored vehicles, missile carriers, and tanks. New models of military equipment will also be showcased, a reflection of Russia's ongoing military development efforts. However, the absence of some of the more advanced weaponry that has been previously displayed, such as the T-14 Armata tanks, raises questions about the state of Russia's military capabilities in light of significant losses in Ukraine.
The event has been framed by Russian officials as a celebration of victory over Nazism, yet the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine casts a shadow over the proceedings. Analysts suggest that the parade serves as a propaganda tool for the Kremlin, aimed at bolstering national pride while simultaneously attempting to legitimize Russia's military actions in Ukraine.
In the lead-up to the parade, Ukrainian forces have ramped up their operations, including a significant drone strike on May 7 that targeted military installations within Russia. This attack, which reportedly resulted in the destruction of several military factories and the shutdown of airports, illustrates the ongoing volatility of the situation. Ukrainian officials have made it clear that they view the participation of foreign military personnel in the Moscow parade as a direct affront to their sovereignty and a potential act of complicity in Russia's aggression.
As the parade approaches, security measures in Moscow have been heightened, with authorities advising residents to refrain from fireworks and mass gatherings, likely in anticipation of potential unrest or retaliatory actions. The Kremlin's efforts to ensure a smooth event reflect the delicate balance it seeks to maintain between showcasing military strength and managing the risks associated with its ongoing conflict.
In summary, the May 9 Victory Day parade is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for Russia, both in terms of its military display and its diplomatic engagements. With a mix of international attendance and notable absences, the event encapsulates the complexities of Russia's current geopolitical standing and the challenges it faces on the international stage.
