More than 11,500 soldiers and more than 180 military vehicles, including tanks, armored infantry vehicles, and artillery utilized on the Ukrainian battlefield, participated in the procession.
Moscow: Russia staged a huge military display in Red Square on Friday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders, like as Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, attended the procession. Russia’s most significant secular festival is Victory Day, which is observed on May 9. The march and other events highlight Moscow’s attempts to project its authority throughout the world, solidify its allies, and act as a counterweight to the West in the midst of the Ukraine conflict, which has been going on for four years.
All political groups hold World War II in high regard, making it a unique event in the country’s contentious history under Communist rule. The Kremlin has capitalized on this admiration to promote patriotism and emphasize Russia’s standing as a major world power. During what it refers to as the Great Patriotic War (1941–45), the Soviet Union lost 27 million people, a tremendous sacrifice that deeply damaged the nation’s mental image. “We are proud of their courage and determination, their spiritual force that always has brought us victory,” Putin said at the march as he praised Russian forces engaged in combat in Ukraine.
More than 11,500 soldiers and more than 180 military vehicles, including tanks, armored infantry vehicles, and artillery utilized on the Ukrainian battlefield, participated in the procession. Launchers for the Yars nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles wheeled across Red Square as a reminder of Russia’s nuclear power. In close formation, fighter jets from the Russian air force’s aerobatic teams passed, followed by jets that released smoke in the colors of the flag.
Putin clasped hands with Russian military officers who commanded the troops in Red Square following the performance. He then hugged one of the senior North Korean commanders who were watching the parade and spoke to them while they were all decked up in medals. Numerous CIS nations who were a part of the Soviet Union also sent armed forces. Red Square was also traversed by battle-hardened forces from Moscow’s Special Military Operations in Ukraine.