In brief
On May 9, 2025, President Vladimir Putin commemorated Russia's 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany with a grand military parade in Moscow, featuring a prominent appearance by China's leader, Xi Jinping. This event was viewed as an attempt by Putin to assert his role as a global figure uniting anti-Western nations, with over 20 other leaders attending, including Brazil's President Lula and Slovakia's Prime Minister Fico. While the gathering seemingly reflected Russia's international influence, it contrasted sharply with the current reality of its military engagements, which have yielded limited success in Ukraine over the past three years. The ongoing conflict has seen Russia grappling with economic challenges, including declining oil prices and high interest rates. Historically, Victory Day has united Russian citizens, but under Putin's rule, it has become increasingly divisive, further complicating his narrative surrounding the justifications for the invasion of Ukraine.
