Twenty-nine leaders expected at Moscow Victory Day commemorations

Moscow is set to host World War Two Victory Day commemorations from May 8-11, with 29 world leaders, including China's Xi Jinping, expected to attend. The main military parade on Red Square will feature military units from 13 countries alongside Russian troops, and several U.S. World War Two veterans are also anticipated, though U.S. official attendance remains uncertain. High-level delegations from countries such as Brazil, India, South Africa, and others will participate, and Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to meet with leaders from Venezuela, Cuba, Mongolia, China, Brazil, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Laos, and Zimbabwe during the events. Invited dignitaries include heads of diplomatic missions, international organizations, and notable public figures from abroad. North Korean troops, despite recent reports of their involvement alongside Russian forces, will not march in the parade, with the country's ambassador attending instead. Russia has declared a three-day ceasefire to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany.