Russia Hosts China, Brazil for WWII Victory Parade/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Russia is preparing to host world leaders, including those from China and Brazil, for the 80th anniversary of its WWII Victory Day celebrations on May 9. The event reflects Moscow’s attempt to showcase global alliances despite Western isolation over the Ukraine conflict. Heightened security, drone threats, and internet disruptions surround the festivities.
Victory Day Alliances Quick Looks
- Vladimir Putin will host China’s Xi Jinping and Brazil’s Lula da Silva.
- Over two dozen world leaders are expected in Moscow for Victory Day.
- Security tightened amid Ukrainian drone threats and airport disruptions.
- Xi’s four-day visit will emphasize Russia-China strategic cooperation.
- India’s Modi canceled his visit due to tensions with Pakistan.
- Serbia, Slovakia, Cuba, and others will also attend despite EU pressure.
- The Kremlin highlights global South support and anti-Western solidarity.
Deep Look: Russia Hosts China, Brazil for Victory Day Celebration
Russia is staging a high-profile commemoration for the 80th anniversary of its World War II victory, marked by Victory Day on May 9, amid increasing geopolitical tensions and war in Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin will host an array of global leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in a show of international support and defiance toward Western isolation.
Victory Day, Russia’s most important secular celebration, will be centered around a grand military parade through Red Square. Once a shared occasion for global unity post-WWII, the event now underscores Moscow’s pivot toward non-Western alliances, as most Western leaders have long ceased attending due to the Kremlin’s aggressive foreign policies, notably the annexation of Crimea and the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Putin views the anniversary as an opportunity to showcase Russia’s ability to form a broad international coalition despite sanctions and diplomatic boycotts. Political analyst Nikolai Petrov notes, “This day is important for Putin as a demonstration of how broad a coalition backing Russia is.”
The event’s significance is heightened by the attendance of President Xi Jinping, described by Putin as the “main guest.” Xi’s four-day visit will involve talks on bilateral trade, energy partnerships, and global strategy through the BRICS alliance. The two leaders have met more than 40 times, building a deepening strategic partnership as they challenge U.S. and Western influence.
China has not supplied Russia with weapons but has remained its chief economic partner, buying discounted oil and gas, and replacing Western tech and electronics vital for Russia’s military production. Beijing has also vocally opposed Western sanctions, placing the blame for tensions on NATO expansion and U.S. influence.
Meanwhile, Brazil’s Lula da Silva will make his first trip to Moscow since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. As a BRICS member, Brazil is seen as a strategic ally for Russia, particularly as BRICS continues to expand into new economies aligned against Western-dominated institutions.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a key figure in Putin’s outreach strategy, canceled his expected visit following a terror attack in Kashmir. India’s growing relationship with Russia, especially in defense and energy, remains critical despite concerns over the Russia-China alliance.
Other notable attendees include Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico and Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic, both of whom defied EU warnings about attending. Fico has consistently criticized EU policy on Ukraine, while Vucic’s attendance is uncertain due to recent illness during a U.S. visit. Nonetheless, the Kremlin confirmed Putin plans to meet both leaders.
Russia has also extended invitations to leaders from Cuba, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Burkina Faso, as well as presidents of various former Soviet republics. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the attendance reflects Russia’s global reach and ideological alignment with many nations in the Global South.
However, the celebratory tone has been somewhat marred by the reality of war. Ukrainian drone attacks have targeted Moscow in recent days, leading to disruptions across the capital’s four major airports. Flight delays and cancellations have stranded hundreds of travelers. In response, Russia has tightened security around Victory Day events, including imposing restrictions on mobile internet access. Banks and service providers warned customers about potential disruptions, while businesses limited deliveries.
The Kremlin emphasized the significance of global participation this year. Putin’s adviser Yuri Ushakov confirmed that leaders from over 24 countries will attend, with more than 15 bilateral meetings planned. Even the U.S. Ambassador to Russia, Lynne Tracy, was invited, although it’s unclear whether any American officials will be present.
Historically, Victory Day once served as a unifying symbol between Russia and the West. After the Soviet Union’s collapse, celebrations saw prominent Western leaders like Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Angela Merkel attend. But Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and continued aggression in Ukraine have severed those diplomatic connections.
This year’s Victory Day reinforces Russia’s departure from the Western sphere, instead centering itself as a leader among non-Western powers and adversaries of U.S.-led global order. The mix of celebratory nostalgia and wartime tension highlights the fragile and divided state of global geopolitics in 2025.
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