Russian President Vladimir Putin led a grand parade in Red Square to commemorate Victory Day, the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's defeat over Nazi Germany.
The event, held under strict security amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, was attended by 27 foreign leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, CNN reported.
Putin addressed troops and international dignitaries, describing Russia's intervention in Ukraine as a continuation of the Soviet fight against fascism. Thousands of soldiers marched alongside new weapons and foreign contingents, including 102 Chinese troops, as Moscow and Beijing's military and political ties strengthened.
Putin and Xi held bilateral discussions ahead of the parade, highlighting their growing partnership. Despite EU reservations, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was the sole EU leader attending. Venezuelan, Serbian, and Vietnamese leaders were also in attendance, according to CNN.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously stated that he could not guarantee the safety of anyone attending the event and encouraged heads of state not to travel to Moscow.
