By Elan Castañares
Moscow is preparing for an elaborate Victory Day parade, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany.
This annual event, held on May 9 in Red Square, has evolved into a powerful symbol of Russian national pride, resilience and military might.
Under Russian President Vladimir Putin, Victory Day has become increasingly significant, serving as a key platform to bolster national unity and project an image of strength and international relevance on the global stage.
This year’s commemoration carries particular weight as it unfolds against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing military operations in Ukraine, a conflict often framed by the Kremlin through the lens of historical struggles against fascism.
Limited but significant international participation
Despite widespread international condemnation and sanctions imposed following the conflict in Ukraine, Russia is keen to demonstrate that it retains significant global ties.
The Kremlin has announced the expected attendance of 29 foreign leaders at the Victory Day parade, according to multiple media reports.
Notably, Chinese President Xi Jinping is slated to be the “main guest,” underscoring the deepening strategic partnership between Moscow and Beijing, the Associated Press reported.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is also among the attendees, highlighting Russia’s efforts to maintain relationships with key BRICS nations.
The Kyiv Independent reported that leaders from several former Soviet states, as well as countries across Asia, Africa and Latin America, are also anticipated to be present.
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Grand military spectacle amidst tensions
The military parade itself is expected to be the largest display of Russian military power since the full-scale operation of Ukraine in 2022, UNITED24 Media reported.
Thousands of military personnel and an extensive array of advanced weaponry, including modern tanks and missile systems, will be showcased in Red Square.
This demonstration serves as a potent symbol of Russia’s military capabilities.
Adding a layer of symbolic international co-operation, military contingents from thirteen foreign nations, including China, Belarus and Egypt, are scheduled to march alongside Russian troops.
The lead-up to the Victory Day celebrations has been marked by heightened tensions.
Ukraine has officially moved its commemoration of the World War II victory to May 8, aligning with the Western Victory in Europe Day and has called upon international leaders to boycott the Moscow event.
Furthermore, reports have surfaced of Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Moscow in the days preceding the parade, causing disruptions to air travel and reportedly affecting the arrival schedules of some foreign dignitaries, according to both the Kyiv Independent and the Moscow Times.
Narrative framing in the shadow of the Ukraine conflict
For Russia, the 80th anniversary of Victory Day presents a critical opportunity to reinforce its national identity, emphasise its historical narrative of triumph over fascism and project an image of resilience and continued global engagement despite facing significant diplomatic and economic challenges.
The carefully curated list of attendees and the sheer scale of the military display are intended to signal Russia’s enduring power and its ability to forge alliances in a shifting global landscape.
However, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the limited participation from Western nations serve as a stark reminder of Russia’s increasing international isolation.
The grand spectacle on Red Square will thus be a complex and perhaps contradictory display, a demonstration of military might set against a backdrop of constrained international relations.
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