Russia Marks 80th Anniversary of Victory Day with Grand Parade in Moscow’s Red Square
Moscow, May 9, 2025 – Russia celebrated the 80th anniversary of its victory over Nazi Germany in World War II with a spectacular Victory Day Parade in Moscow’s Red Square, blending historical reverence with a display of modern military might. The event, attended by over 30 heads of state and featuring international military contingents, underscored Russia’s global alliances amid ongoing tensions with the West.
A Symbolic Start
The parade began with the ceremonial presentation of the Russian Federation’s state flag alongside the iconic Victory Banner, the red flag raised over the Reichstag in Berlin on May 1, 1945, symbolizing the Soviet triumph in the Great Patriotic War. President Vladimir Putin, addressing the crowd, declared, “Russia will always be an indestructible barrier to Nazism,” framing the nation’s historical role as a defender against fascism—a message that resonates with Russia’s current narrative regarding its “special military operation” in Ukraine.
International Presence
More than 11,500 military personnel marched across Red Square, including units from China and Egypt, highlighting Russia’s efforts to strengthen ties with non-Western nations. Chinese President Xi Jinping, a key attendee, sat alongside Putin, signaling the deepening Russia-China alliance. Leaders from Congo, Egypt, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe also watched from the stands, a stark contrast to the absence of Western leaders amid strained relations following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Historical and Modern Military Displays
The parade featured a mix of historical and state-of-the-art military hardware. A legendary T-34/85 tank, a symbol of Soviet resilience during WWII, rolled across the cobblestones, followed by equipment from the Great Patriotic War era. Modern assets included the Yars intercontinental ballistic missile system, capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads with a range of 10,500 km, and the Iskander-M short-range ballistic missile system, known for its precision strikes.
Armored vehicles like the T-90M main battle tank, equipped with advanced reactive armor and a 125mm gun, and the TOS-2 flamethrower system, capable of delivering thermobaric munitions over 20 km, demonstrated Russia’s contemporary military strength. For the first time, a drone column showcased Russia’s advancements in unmanned aerial vehicles, featuring the Orlan-10 and Orlan-30 reconnaissance drones, the Lancet-51 and Lancet-52 loitering munitions, and the Geran-2 strike drone, reflecting Russia’s growing reliance on unmanned systems in modern warfare.
Aerial Spectacle
The parade concluded with a flypast by the Russian Knights and Strizhi aerobatic teams, flying Sukhoi Su-27/35 and MiG-29 aircraft. Eighty-eight aircraft soared over Red Square, with Su-25 jets leaving trails in the colors of the Russian flag, a visual testament to Russia’s airpower.
Participants and Messaging
The parade also featured a women’s battalion and soldiers from Russia’s ongoing operations in Ukraine, whom Putin hailed as “today’s heroes.” The inclusion of these troops reinforced the Kremlin’s narrative of continuity between WWII heroism and current military endeavors. However, the event was not without controversy—Ukraine rejected Russia’s proposed three-day ceasefire, labeling it a “theatrical play,” while a Ukrainian drone attack disrupted air traffic across Russia, affecting 350 flights and stranding 60,000 passengers.
Geopolitical Implications
The parade served as a platform for Russia to project strength and solidarity with its allies. The presence of Chinese soldiers and Xi Jinping underscored a strategic partnership aimed at countering Western influence, especially as the U.S. and Europe continue to impose sanctions on both nations. Putin’s rhetoric, coupled with the display of advanced weaponry like the Yars missile and Lancet drones, sent a clear message to the West: Russia remains a formidable power with global support.
As Moscow’s Red Square echoed with the boots of marching soldiers and the roar of aircraft, the 2025 Victory Day Parade encapsulated Russia’s dual focus—honoring its past while asserting its role in a contentious present. The event, watched by millions worldwide, reaffirmed Russia’s determination to shape its narrative on the global stage, 80 years after its historic triumph in WWII.
