PREVIEW

Putin, Xi and Global Leaders Mark Russia’s Victory Day Amid Tensions. Russian President Vladimir Putin celebrated Russia’s Victory Day with a grand parade, joined by Chinese President Xi Jinping and other world leaders. The May 9 parade, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany, took place on Moscow’s Red Square. Victory Day, a significant national holiday, honors the 25-27 million Soviet lives lost during WWII, but in recent years, it has become a platform for propaganda. Putin and Xi were surrounded by other prominent figures, including Brazil’s President Lula da Silva, Egypt’s President el-Sisi, and Serbia’s President Vucic. The St. George ribbon, once a symbol of Russian imperialism, was worn by many attending the event, though it has become controversial due to its association with Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. This year’s Victory Day celebration marked a significant upgrade in the guest list, with leaders from various countries showing their support for Russia’s position. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's attendance, despite EU opposition to Russia's actions, sparked attention due to the EU’s tough stance against Moscow. In the run-up to the parade, Ukraine rejected Russia’s unilateral ceasefire proposal, citing it as a political maneuver to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. Ukraine launched drone attacks on Moscow, and the city’s airports were temporarily shut down ahead of the parade, causing logistical disruptions. Baltic states, including Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, closed their airspaces to diplomatic flights bound for Moscow, forcing some leaders, like Serbian President Vucic, to reroute their journeys.
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