Russia's President Vladimir Putin gives a speech during the Victory Day military parade at Red Square in central Moscow. AFP
Speaking at the event, Putin emphasized the broad domestic support for Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine and praised the bravery of the soldiers involved.
The parade featured over 11,000 troops, including around 1,500 soldiers who have fought in Ukraine, with Putin highlighting their courage.
More than 20 foreign dignitaries attended the event, including China’s President Xi Jinping, who sat alongside Putin, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and the only EU leader present, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Putin's speech evoked historical parallels with the Soviet victory in World War II, declaring that Russia would remain a "barrier against Nazism."
The parade was heavily symbolic, with Moscow decorated in red flags reading "Victory." Russian state media portrayed the occasion as a proud moment for the country, reflecting national unity and strength. Ahead of the parade, Putin had proposed a toast to "victory" at a dinner with visiting leaders.
Although Russia declared a unilateral three-day ceasefire for the occasion, fighting has continued, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Ukrainian authorities reported ongoing Russian strikes, including in the southern city of Kherson and the Dnipropetrovsk region.
Earlier on Tuesday, all four international airports around Moscow temporarily suspended flights as Russian forces intercepted more than 100 Ukrainian drones targeting nearly a dozen Russian regions, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
The parade was held under strict security in Moscow, with authorities imposing temporary restrictions on mobile internet connections, citing concerns over potential attacks during the high-profile event.
*This story was edited by Ahram Online.
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