Putin marks Victory Day in Moscow as Russia holds scaled-down parade
Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed crowds in Moscow’s Red Square on Saturday as Russia marked Victory Day, the annual commemoration of Nazi Germany’s surrender in 1945.
“We stand together. Victory has always been ours, and always will be,” Putin told the crowd. “Glory to the victorious people. Glory to the veterans. Glory to the Russian Armed Forces. Happy Victory Day.”
This year marks the 81st anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. Russia and several other former Soviet states mark Victory Day on May 9, while many Western countries observe Victory in Europe Day on May 8 because of the time difference when Germany’s surrender took effect.
The parade was held under tight security and was significantly scaled down, with heavy military hardware absent for the first time in nearly two decades. Russian officials cited security concerns linked to possible Ukrainian attacks.
The event came as Russia and Ukraine began a three-day ceasefire from May 9 to 11, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. The deal also includes a planned prisoner exchange of 1,000 people from each side.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
