Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to host a grand Victory Day parade in Moscow on Friday, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

The annual celebration, a central event in the Kremlin’s efforts to promote domestic patriotism and establish Russia as a defender of sovereignty and affirm its fight against fascism, takes place as Russian forces remain engaged in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Celebrations begin in #Russia marking the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazism in World War II. https://t.co/os2cUpaG3g

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) May 9, 2025

Over 20 foreign dignitaries are expected to attend the parade in Red Square, marking the fourth Victory Day since the war in Ukraine began in 2022. The Kremlin has described this year’s event as the largest on record, underscoring the symbolic significance of the 80th anniversary.

Additionally, Putin has called for a temporary “humanitarian” ceasefire during the holiday period. However, Ukrainian officials have rejected the proposal, denouncing it as disingenuous and accusing Russian forces of repeatedly violating the declared truce.

Xi Jinping, Lula da Silva, and other leaders attend

Among the most notable guests in Moscow are Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is also set to attend, becoming the only European Union leader present, in defiance of warnings from Brussels. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, whose country maintains longstanding ties with Moscow, is also expected to take part in the event.

A formal dinner was held in honor of the visiting dignitaries, where Putin raised a toast to “victory.” The celebration will culminate in a military parade featuring an expansive display of Russian military hardware and thousands of troops marching across Red Square, followed by a speech from the Russian president.

On the eve of the parade, Putin and Xi held a lengthy meeting in the Kremlin lasting over three hours. The Russian leader referred to his Chinese counterpart as a “dear friend” as the two leaders exchanged statements of defiance toward the West, further cementing their partnership.

Ukraine rejects ceasefire, slams parade as propaganda

Ukrainian officials have dismissed the Kremlin’s unilateral ceasefire declaration as a political maneuver, with Kiev claiming that Russian forces violated the truce hundreds of times. Ukrainian authorities have described the Victory Day events as a "parade of cynicism," warning that they cannot guarantee the safety of attending world leaders due to the volatile security environment.

In turn, Kiev alleges that, despite its historical significance, the parade is less about commemorating the defeat of Nazism and more about justifying Russia’s ongoing military aggression. Ukrainian commentators warn that foreign leaders attending the event risk appearing complicit in the war.

As part of heightened security in Moscow, authorities have restricted the use of electric scooters and vape pens and even prohibited attendees from bringing animals to the event. Mobile internet services have also been disrupted in parts of the capital, with officials citing the move as a precaution against potential Ukrainian strikes during the celebrations.