Putin, Xi Mark WW2 Victory with 11,500 Troops Amid Ukraine War

Russia commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany with a large military parade in Moscow, attended by President Vladimir Putin alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and other world leaders. Putin emphasized the Soviet Union's central role in defeating Nazi Germany and acknowledged the contributions of Western Allies and China, while drawing parallels between the historical fight against Nazism and Russia's current military campaign in Ukraine. The parade featured over 11,500 troops, including many who fought in Ukraine, and showcased new military technologies such as drones and nuclear-capable missiles. Despite ongoing conflict and recent drone attacks on Moscow, a 72-hour ceasefire was observed during the celebrations. Putin framed Russia as fighting against Nazism, Russophobia, and anti-Semitism, asserting broad domestic support for the military operation in Ukraine. Meanwhile, European leaders responded to the anniversary by planning a tribunal to try Russian leaders for the war in Ukraine, highlighting ongoing geopolitical tensions.