Xi joins Putin at Russia’s Victory Day parade in show of unity

Xi Jinping, the Chinese President joined Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Friday, May 9, 2025, as he led Victory Day commemorations in Moscow’s Red Square under tight security.

This followed a spate of Ukrainian drone strikes targeting the capital.

The event, which marks the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany, featured an elaborate military parade.

It also featured the participation of more than 20 international leaders.

Notably, Chinese President Xi Jinping joined Putin, underscoring the growing alliance between Moscow and Beijing.

In his speech, Putin linked the legacy of World War II with Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, now entering its fourth year.

The Russian leader framed it as a continuation of the fight against Nazism.

He claimed that all of Russia supports what he continues to refer to as a “special military operation.”

A new addition to this year’s parade was a convoy of trucks carrying combat drones, reflecting their extensive deployment in Ukraine.

Coinciding with the parade, Russia announced a unilateral three-day ceasefire to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory Day.

However, Ukraine dismissed the ceasefire as a “theatrical show,” accusing Moscow of launching thousands of attacks since the truce began at midnight on Wednesday.

While Russia claims to have upheld the ceasefire, it accuses Ukraine of numerous violations.

Ukrainian drone strikes before the ceasefire also led to the closure of several Russian airports, causing major disruption.

On the day of the event, Moscow was under heavy lockdown with increased security measures.

General Oleg Salyukov led 11,000 troops into Red Square, including 1,500 soldiers who had served in Ukraine, and Defense Minister Andrei Belousov conducted the inspection. B

efore the military parade, a moment of silence was observed.

In his address, Putin declared that Russia remains a “barrier against Nazism, Russophobia, and antisemitism.”

He also reiterated the false narrative that Ukraine’s leadership is neo-Nazi.

Putin claimed that “truth and justice are on our side,” stating that the Russian public fully supports the war effort.

While Russia announced that 27 world leaders were present, it was the appearance of Xi Jinping and more than 100 Chinese soldiers marching through Red Square that drew the most attention.

Xi wore an orange and black St George ribbon—seen in Russia as a symbol of military pride but banned in several neighboring countries.

Russian state media celebrated the growing ties with China, portraying the two nations as united against the “collective West.”

Russia’s shift toward the East was further demonstrated by the participation of military units from North Korea, Vietnam, and Mongolia.

North Korean troops have reportedly been involved in fighting in Russia’s Kursk region, and Putin was seen personally greeting and hugging a decorated North Korean officer.

In Pyongyang, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the Russian embassy to emphasize his country’s strengthening alliance with Moscow.

Other notable attendees included Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Vučić’s presence was controversial, given Serbia’s candidate status for European Union membership.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas had previously warned that EU leaders or aspirants should avoid participating in the event due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Vučić acknowledged that he may face consequences for attending.

Putin viewed Xi’s attendance as a major diplomatic victory and paid tribute to China’s role in World War II.

However, Taiwan criticized the gesture, stating that the Chinese Communist Party had made no meaningful contribution to the Allied war effort.

It said the party, unlike the then-republican Chinese government, which later relocated to Taiwan.

Putin and Xi reportedly held two rounds of formal talks before the parade and engaged in informal discussions about the war in Ukraine.

The military display included Yars missile systems, tanks, armored vehicles, and a flyover by six Su-25 fighter jets.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned foreign leaders against attending the event due to safety concerns.

Ukrainian military analyst Mykhailo Samus said Ukraine likely refrained from targeting the parade out of respect for the foreign delegations, although he stressed it would be a legitimate target if attacked.

In a video address, Zelensky said Ukraine was “ready for a full ceasefire starting right now.”

He however emphasized that it must be genuine, without drone strikes, missile launches, or ground assaults.

He urged Russia to demonstrate its commitment to peace by adhering to a real ceasefire.

Despite Russia’s claims of halting combat operations, Ukraine reported nearly 200 frontline clashes, 18 Russian air strikes, and almost 4,000 artillery attacks during the ceasefire period.

A Russian drone reportedly killed a woman in her car in the village of Prymorske, Zaporizhzhia region.

Zelensky criticized Putin’s ceasefire proposal as a mere “game” and called for a more meaningful 30-day truce, a plan supported by Ukraine’s Western allies.

He said he had spoken with U.S. President Donald Trump, reiterating Ukraine’s commitment to a long-term peace.

Trump later called for an unconditional ceasefire on his social media platform,

Truth Social, and warned of additional sanctions for any violators.

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