Leaders from China, Brazil, and across Africa, Asia, and Latin America join Putin in Moscow as Russia marks 80 years since WWII victory amid Western isolation.
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – Russia is set to mark the 80th anniversary of its historic victory over Nazi Germany in World War II on Thursday with a grand military parade on Red Square. But this year’s Victory Day celebrations are more than a commemoration—they’re a powerful diplomatic statement.
Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine and deepening isolation from the West, the Kremlin is hosting an unprecedented lineup of 29 foreign leaders, a clear indication of Moscow’s push to strengthen alliances outside of Europe and North America.
A Pivot Toward the Global South
Among the visiting heads of state are Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, and leaders from Mongolia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, and Vietnam. Their presence underscores Russia’s strategic pivot toward the Global South and Asia in response to Western sanctions and political pressure.
For President Vladimir Putin, the participation of these leaders sends a potent message that Russia is not isolated on the world stage, despite efforts by the European Union and United States to isolate Moscow following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
“This is a powerful symbol,” said Russian foreign affairs analyst Alexei Komarov. “It shows that while Russia’s relationship with the West has broken down, it is building a network of cooperation across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.”
Xi Jinping’s High-Profile Visit
The most high-profile guest is China’s Xi Jinping, who landed in Moscow earlier this week for his 11th visit to Russia. His four-day state trip includes bilateral talks with Putin focused on deepening trade, military, and energy cooperation between the two countries.
China has maintained a cautious but supportive stance toward Russia throughout the Ukraine conflict, and Xi’s presence at the parade will be viewed as a strong gesture of diplomatic solidarity.
Strategic Timing Amid Ukraine Conflict
The significance of Victory Day—celebrated annually on May 9—has taken on new political meaning in recent years. Traditionally a moment to honor the Soviet Union’s sacrifices during World War II, the event has evolved under Putin into a platform for promoting Russian patriotism and military strength.
This year, however, comes amid renewed Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow and mounting international scrutiny of Russia’s ongoing military operations. Just days before the celebrations, several Russian airports were briefly shut down due to drone threats, disrupting flights for tens of thousands of travelers.
Russian authorities have since bolstered air defenses around the capital to ensure the parade and accompanying ceremonies proceed without incident.
Western Leaders Absent
The contrast between this year’s guest list and previous decades is stark. In 2005, former U.S. President George W. Bush and German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder stood alongside Putin in Red Square. Today, no leaders from NATO or the European Union are attending the event, reflecting a sharp decline in East-West relations.
The Kremlin, however, appears undeterred. A spokesperson emphasized that Russia continues to maintain diplomatic channels with countries willing to engage in a “multipolar world order.”
“This year’s Victory Day shows who Russia’s friends truly are,” said Yuri Lavrov, a political analyst in Moscow. “The West may have turned its back, but the rest of the world is listening.”
Energy and Trade Diplomacy on the Sidelines
Alongside the parade, Putin is hosting bilateral meetings with visiting leaders aimed at strengthening energy cooperation, arms sales, agricultural trade, and infrastructure development. Countries like Ethiopia and Vietnam are reportedly discussing joint development projects, while Venezuela and Cuba seek to deepen their economic ties with Moscow.
Brazil’s Lula da Silva, attending his first Victory Day since returning to office, is expected to raise issues related to food security, fertilizer imports, and BRICS cooperation during his meeting with Putin.
Symbolism of the Parade
More than 11,000 Russian troops, armored vehicles, and missile systems are set to march through Red Square, accompanied by flyovers from fighter jets and helicopters. The spectacle is not only a patriotic display but a deliberate reminder of Russia’s military capabilities at a time of sustained conflict.
Russian citizens traditionally take immense pride in Victory Day, which honors the loss of an estimated 27 million Soviet lives during World War II. But for the Kremlin, the day has become just as much about present-day geopolitical messaging as historical remembrance.
“Victory Day is sacred for us,“ said Moscow resident Natalia Ivanova, who plans to attend the parade with her grandchildren. “But it’s also a time to show the world that Russia stands strong, no matter what.”
Putin’s Balancing Act
While Russia faces ongoing economic sanctions and diplomatic ostracism from Western powers, Putin is using events like Victory Day to reframe Russia’s global position. By emphasizing partnerships with non-Western countries and leveraging shared opposition to U.S. dominance, Moscow hopes to reshape global power dynamics in its favor.
A Historic Milestone
As Russia celebrates eight decades since the end of World War II, this year’s parade underscores a major shift in international alignments. The presence of 29 foreign dignitaries, many from countries critical of Western foreign policy, reflects a changing world order—and Russia’s determination to lead a counterbalance to it.
Whether this emerging alliance structure can deliver meaningful economic and strategic benefits remains to be seen. But for now, Moscow is signaling that it has no intention of standing alone.
