Putin and Xi Jinping Lead Grand Moscow Parade Marking 80 Years Since WWII Victory Amid Ukraine Conflict

Russia celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II with a grand military parade on Red Square in Moscow. The event was attended by over two dozen world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who joined Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin for the celebrations. The parade showcased Russia's military might with over 11,500 soldiers and more than 180 military vehicles, including tanks, artillery used in Ukraine, and launchers for the Yars nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles. Putin praised the courage of Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, emphasizing national pride and Russia's global power status. The event also featured 1,500 servicemen who fought in the invasion of Ukraine and a group of senior North Korean officers. Security was heightened due to recent Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow, which disrupted air travel. Despite a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire declared by Putin, both sides accused each other of violations. The parade also featured military units from 13 countries, including China, highlighting Russia's international alliances.