In Moscow, a grand parade is being prepared on Red Square to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The event is set to be attended by 27 leaders from various foreign nations, marking a significant gathering of global dignitaries.
According to journalists from RIA Novosti, who have access to the Kremlin pool, the heads of delegations were presented with a copy of the Pravda newspaper dated May 10, 1945, underscoring the historical significance of the occasion.
As the parade approaches, the atmosphere on Red Square is charged with anticipation. Just hours before the festivities began, the Polish ambassador was spotted en route to the parade. Meanwhile, invited guests started taking their places on the podiums set up for the event.
Among the first to arrive were notable figures such as To Lam, the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nicolas Maduro, the President of Venezuela, Emmerson Mnangagwa, the leader of Zimbabwe, and Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev, the President of Kazakhstan. Their presence highlights the diverse representation at this historic event.
Additionally, Miguel Diaz-Canel, the President of Cuba, arrived at the Kremlin accompanied by his wife, alongside Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, the head of Mongolia, and Aleksandar Vucic, the President of Serbia. Their attendance reflects the strong ties between these nations and Russia.
As the parade time approaches, other leaders are also expected to join the festivities. Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia and President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus are anticipated to arrive shortly. Notably, leaders from China and Brazil, Xi Jinping and Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, are also expected to attend, further emphasizing the international nature of the celebration.
The presence of leaders from Armenia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Palestine, Burkina Faso, Abkhazia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Congo, Myanmar, Guinea-Bissau, South Ossetia, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, and Ethiopia adds to the global representation, showcasing the wide-reaching impact of the historical event being commemorated.
President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus has already arrived at the parade, while Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to meet with Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of Armenia, and Milorad Dodik, the head of the Serbian Republic. These meetings reflect ongoing diplomatic engagements alongside the commemorative event.
However, not all expected leaders will be present. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not travel to Moscow, although it is anticipated that India will still be represented at the commemorative events on May 9, 2025. Modi's absence may be attributed to the challenging domestic situation in India, which has raised concerns regarding his participation.
In a last-minute development, two leaders, Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Thongloun Sisoulith of Laos, have also opted out of attending the celebrations. Aliyev cited internal events dedicated to his father, Heydar Aliyev, as the reason for his absence, while Sisoulith explained that he was unable to travel due to a recent diagnosis of coronavirus.
The latest news from Moscow indicates a vibrant atmosphere as citizens and dignitaries alike prepare to celebrate Victory Day. For those looking for real-time updates, MSK1.RU has launched an online report covering the festivities, including giveaways for subscribers on their Telegram channel.
On May 7, 2025, Yuri Ushakov, aide to the president, informed reporters that leaders from 29 countries would be present for the anniversary parade, highlighting the global significance of the event. The heads of state from China, Venezuela, and Vietnam are arriving with official visits, underscoring the importance of international relations during this commemorative occasion.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to hold more than 15 bilateral talks during the event, reflecting the diplomatic opportunities that arise from such a significant gathering of world leaders. On May 8, Putin engaged in discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Kremlin, where they signed 28 documents, marking a deepening of ties between the two nations.
Earlier on May 7, Putin also held talks with several other leaders, including Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Cuban leader Miguel Diaz-Canel, Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, and Denis Sassou-Nguesso, the head of Congo. These discussions highlight the ongoing diplomatic efforts by Russia to strengthen its relationships with key allies.
The 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War serves not only as a remembrance of historical events but also as a platform for contemporary diplomacy and international cooperation. As leaders gather in Moscow, their presence underscores a collective commitment to honoring the sacrifices made during the war while also fostering dialogue and partnerships in today's geopolitical landscape.
As the parade unfolds on Red Square, the world will be watching, not only to witness the celebrations but also to observe the diplomatic interactions that will shape future international relations.
