• Russia celebrated the 80th anniversary of Victory Day with a massive military parade in Moscow.
• Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva attended as key international guests.
• Putin presented the event as a show of strength amid ongoing conflicts with Ukraine.
• The Kremlin declared a unilateral ceasefire, which Ukraine criticized as a "theatrical show."
• Security was heightened in Moscow due to threats of Ukrainian drone attacks leading up to the parade.

Russia marked the 80th anniversary of its victory over Nazi Germany with a grand military parade on Red Square attended by President Vladimir Putin and several foreign leaders, including China's Xi Jinping and Brazil's Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, highlighting Russia's military strength amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This year's event emphasized Moscow's efforts to counter sanctions and portray itself as a key global player, despite the backdrop of the war that continues to claim lives on both sides, according to Reuters, NY Times, and Africanews.

During the parade, thousands of Russian troops marched in front of an audience that included leaders from over 20 countries, aimed at demonstrating solidarity amidst criticisms of its military actions in Ukraine. Putin, who draws comparisons between the Soviet struggle in World War II and modern warfare, stated, "The whole country, society and people support the participants of the special military operation." This rhetoric has been used to justify his military campaign, which he claims aims to "de-Nazify" Ukraine, a narrative that Ukraine rejects entirely, according to Le Monde, Channel News Asia, and CBS News.

Security measures were highly visible during the celebrations due to fears of potential drone attacks from Ukraine. Internet services were reportedly disrupted in central Moscow, and additional military personnel were deployed to ensure the parade's safety amidst warnings of UAV threats targeting the capital. Ukrainian military analysts indicated an observed uptick in drone activity aimed at Moscow prior to the event, reiterating that the ceasefire declared by Russia would not hinder their operations, according to Indiatimes, Africanews, and BBC.

Despite the international concerns surrounding the Ukraine conflict and its impact on Russia’s reputation, the attendance of leaders like Xi and Lula at the parade illustrates Moscow's continued outreach efforts. Putin has sought to frame his military initiatives as legitimate and necessary for national defense, stating, "Russia has been and will remain an indestructible barrier against Nazism, Russophobia, and antisemitism." This narrative has fueled domestic perceptions of a united front against perceived external threats, according to NPR, Channel News Asia, and Jakarta Post.