Putin's 'Grandest' Victory Day Parade on 80th Anniversary Draws 29 Leaders Including Xi and Lula Amid Ukraine Truce

Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing for what has been described as the 'grandest' Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The event is set against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with Putin ordering a unilateral three-day truce from May 8 to 10. The parade will be attended by leaders from 29 countries, including notable figures such as China's Xi Jinping and Brazil's Lula da Silva. Other attendees include the presidents of Belarus, Serbia, and Armenia, as well as the prime minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, who is attending despite warnings from the European Union. The Kremlin has emphasized the significance of the event, with Putin expected to address the nation and rally support for Russian troops involved in the Ukraine conflict. The parade will feature military contingents from 13 countries, including China, showcasing the strengthening ties between Moscow and Beijing. Security measures have been heightened in Moscow due to the threat of Ukrainian drone attacks, which have previously targeted the city. Ukraine launched over 100 drones at Russia overnight, including at Moscow, causing major airports to close for hours. The Ukrainian government has not committed to respecting the ceasefire, raising concerns about potential disruptions during the parade. World War II, known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War, resulted in over 20 million deaths in the Soviet Union. This year's parade will not feature tanks, following last year's trend, and there is a possibility of North Korean troops participating for the first time.