Wed May 07 11:04:28 UTC 2025: ## Putin Hosts Lavish Victory Day Parade Amidst Shifting Global Alliances
**Moscow, May 7, 2025** – Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a high-profile Victory Day parade on May 9th, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany. The event, a significant display of Russian power, will feature leaders from China, Brazil, and several other countries, marking a stark contrast to past celebrations which drew prominent Western figures.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, described by Putin as the “main guest,” will embark on a four-day visit to discuss bilateral issues, including trade and energy cooperation. The close relationship between Putin and Xi underscores their shared strategic partnership amidst rising tensions with the West. China’s continued economic and diplomatic support for Russia, despite Western sanctions, is a key element of this partnership. Reports of Chinese soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, however, remain disputed.
While Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi cancelled his planned visit due to escalating tensions with Pakistan, India’s significant trade relationship with Russia, particularly in oil, continues. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will attend, marking his first official trip to Moscow since the Ukraine invasion.
Other attendees include leaders from several countries, notably Slovakia and Serbia, defying EU pressure to avoid Moscow. This diverse guest list, including leaders from Cuba, Vietnam, and Venezuela, highlights Russia’s efforts to cultivate alliances beyond the West, a point emphasized by political analyst Nikolai Petrov.
The Kremlin’s invitation to U.S. Ambassador Lynne Tracy remains unconfirmed. The noticeable absence of Western leaders mirrors the strained relations following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While former U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at a future visit, he will not be attending this year’s celebrations. The shift in attendance from the era of closer Russo-Western ties underscores the significant geopolitical realignment underway.
First Piper 