Putin used Victory Day for a demonstration of power: We will defeat Ukraine

Security in Moscow was heightened as Putin and several foreign leaders watched the parade. Although a short truce was announced with the mediation of the USA, it did not fully take effect because both sides accused each other of continuing the attack, reports Index.

The parade lasted 45 minutes. https://t.co/fsrTam5kUq pic.twitter.com/OdRcfIMcXe

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) May 9, 2026

Putin, who has been in power for more than two decades, used Victory Day to display military strength and bolster support for the war in Ukraine, which has been going on for years. In the speech, he praised Russian forces, claiming they were fighting an “aggressive force backed by NATO.” He also said that “victory will be theirs”, emphasizing “unity, courage and endurance” as key factors.

This year’s parade, unlike previous years, was held without the display of heavy weapons such as tanks and missile systems, except for the flyover of fighter planes. Russian authorities explained this with the “current security situation” and possible threats.

The parade has begun in Moscow!

Congratulations on the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, — Belousov. pic.twitter.com/pfY0kW67Hk

— Military Summary (@MilitarySummary) May 9, 2026

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky previously warned of possible attacks during the celebration, while the Kremlin rejected his statements. Russian officials have also warned of the possibility of Ukrainian attacks and stepped up security measures, including mobile internet restrictions in Moscow.

The Russian side claims to be advancing on the front, while Ukraine is increasingly carrying out drone attacks deep inside Russian territory.

The parade was also attended by some foreign leaders, including representatives of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Laos and Malaysia. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico plans to visit Moscow, but he was not at the parade itself.

At the parade in Moscow, soldiers from North Korea, who fought in the Kursk region, marched as well. https://t.co/Xcqaoe8czD pic.twitter.com/FZjCBj0Agg

— Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) May 9, 2026

Victory Day in Russia remains one of the most important national holidays, commemorating the Soviet Union’s enormous sacrifice in World War II, while also being used to reinforce the patriotic narrative and political messages.

(Vijesti.ba)