On the 9th (local time), Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping watched the 80th anniversary Victory Day parade together in Red Square, Moscow. Following a more than seven-hour meeting the day before, President Putin and President Xi signed over 20 bilateral documents and entered Red Square together, frequently engaging in conversation to showcase their unique solidarity.
Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea, did not make an appearance. Instead, five representatives, including Vice Chief of Staff Kim Young-bok, attended the event. After the parade, Putin was seen shaking hands and embracing each member of the North Korean military delegation lined up in Red Square.
The parade that day was attended by leaders from 27 countries, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Of these, 15 leaders will have bilateral meetings with Putin. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić visited Russia despite opposition from the European Union (EU).
Ultimately, the parade served to show that Russia, despite facing sanctions due to the war with Ukraine, is not internationally isolated. In particular, President Xi's presence allowed for the demonstration of solidarity with China. Last year's Victory Day saw only a small number of delegations from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Guinea-Bissau, and Laos.
In his speech that day, President Putin stated, "Truth and justice are on our side," adding, "The entire nation supports those who have participated in the 'special military operation' (the war in Ukraine)." Regarding the victory in World War II, he remarked, "I highly appreciate the struggles of all who fought, including friendly Chinese people, for a peaceful future."
After the parade, President Putin met separately with the North Korean delegation. When he first met Vice Chief of Staff Kim Young-bok, he expressed, "I hope good things happen," while extending his arms for an embrace. Vice Chief of Staff Kim Young-bok is reported to have been deployed to the Russian-Ukrainian war front. The North Korean military has been stationed in Kursk, in southwestern Russia, supporting Russian forces.
The parade officially began with Oleg Salyukov, commander-in-chief of the Russian army, leading 11,000 troops in a march through Red Square. Iskander short-range ballistic missiles capable of being equipped with nuclear warheads and Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles were also showcased. Notably, units operating drones were also prominent, marking their first participation in the parade.
Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, visited the North Korean embassy in Russia for the first time since coming to power, saying, "The great Korea-Russia friendship has entered a new golden age based on a solid alliance." He continued, "If the agents of the United States and the West attack our brother state, the Russian Federation, again, I will unhesitatingly order the use of force to repel the enemy's military invasion in accordance with the provisions and spirit of the Korea-Russia Treaty."
The South Korean government did not send a delegation. Previously, former President Roh Moo-hyun attended the 60th anniversary of Victory Day, and lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun attended the 70th anniversary as a special envoy.
On the occasion of Victory Day, Russia announced a ceasefire on the 3rd. However, Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, dismissed it as a 'game.'