On May 9, 2025, Moscow will host a grand celebration marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, with 29 world leaders expected to attend the Victory Parade. This event, as announced by Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, is set to be more prestigious than the 70th anniversary celebration in 2005, which saw 26 foreign leaders and the UN Secretary General in attendance.
The parade will feature foot soldiers, military equipment, and aerial displays, with over 10,000 participants expected. Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of the President of Russia, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming all who wish to honor this significant date.
Among those attending will be heads of eight CIS countries, including Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who confirmed his participation during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Volgograd. Lukashenko noted that the parade in Minsk traditionally follows the Moscow event, highlighting the close ties between the two nations.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has also confirmed his attendance, as has Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who received a personal invitation from Patriarch Kirill of Moscow earlier this month. This meeting marks the first between Aliyev and Putin since tensions escalated following the crash of an Azerbaijani passenger plane in December 2024.
Other CIS leaders expected to join include:
- President of Kazakhstan Kasym-Zhomart Tokayev
- President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon
- President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov
- President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov
- President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev
As Ushakov noted, Ukraine and Moldova will be the only CIS countries not participating in the celebrations.
Internationally, the parade will see participation from leaders across various continents, including:
- President of China Xi Jinping, who will visit Russia at Putin's invitation from May 7 to 10
- President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
- President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro
- President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel
- President of Egypt Abdel Fattah as-Sisi
- President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas
- President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh
- President of Burkina Faso Ibrahim Traore
- President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa
- President of Equatorial Guinea Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo
Ushakov indicated that India, Nicaragua, and South Africa will also be represented at a sufficiently high level, although Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has opted out due to ongoing tensions in Kashmir.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, despite facing health issues and pressure from the EU regarding potential sanctions, remains committed to attending the parade. He stated, "I am going to the celebration of the 80th anniversary. And that's it," underscoring his determination to honor the occasion.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has likewise confirmed his presence, dismissing threats from EU officials as "blackmail" and asserting his right as a sovereign leader to pay tribute to the sacrifices made during World War II.
In a notable development, Milorad Dodik, President of the Republic of Srpska within Bosnia and Herzegovina, will also attend, despite facing an international arrest warrant. His participation reflects the complex political dynamics in the region.
Ushakov mentioned that the event will not only celebrate the historical significance of World War II but also serve as a platform for diplomatic discussions. Putin's schedule on May 9 includes over 15 bilateral meetings with various heads of state.
In addition to the heads of state, representatives from the defense ministries of 34 countries are expected to attend the celebrations. Ushakov pointed out that all accredited diplomatic missions in Russia, totaling 150, have been invited to the parade, including the U.S. ambassador, Lynn Tracy, although her attendance remains uncertain.
The parade will commence at 10 a.m. and will be a showcase of military might, including a variety of military equipment and personnel. This year’s parade is anticipated to be more extensive than previous years, with rehearsals already indicating a significant display. The route will remain unchanged, moving through key locations in Moscow before culminating at Red Square.
Public access to the parade will be limited to those with individual invitations, but residents and tourists will have the opportunity to view military rehearsals leading up to the event, with the final rehearsal scheduled for May 7.
As the countdown to May 9 continues, the atmosphere in Moscow is charged with anticipation, not only for the display of military prowess but also for the diplomatic engagements that will unfold during this historic commemoration. With leaders from around the globe gathering, the event promises to reinforce Russia's international relationships while honoring the sacrifices made during the Great Patriotic War.
