MOSCOW — Russia held its largest Victory Day celebration in years on Friday, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. The spectacle on Moscow’s Red Square featured tanks, fighter jets, and intercontinental ballistic missiles — all under the watchful eye of President Vladimir Putin and an unusually high number of foreign leaders.

More than 11,500 troops and over 180 military vehicles rolled through the square, showcasing Russia’s military might. High above, fighter jets flew in tight formation, trailing plumes of smoke in the colors of the national flag.

This year’s parade wasn’t just about the past. It was a pointed message from the Kremlin: Russia isn’t isolated — and it’s not backing down. Sitting beside Putin were Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, part of the largest gathering of foreign dignitaries in Moscow since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022.

A Show of Strength and Solidarity

Victory Day, celebrated annually on May 9, is Russia’s most significant secular holiday — a blend of national pride, military tradition, and political theater. For Putin, now in his 25th year in power, it’s also a moment to rally support at home and reinforce his vision of Russia as a global power defying Western pressure.

“This is about showing the world — and especially the West — that Russia still has powerful friends and is not alone,” said Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center. He noted that even Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico’s presence signaled divisions within the West and marked a public relations win for Putin.

Linking Past Sacrifice to Present Conflict

The Kremlin draws heavily on the emotional legacy of World War II, or the “Great Patriotic War,” as it’s known in Russia — a conflict in which the Soviet Union lost an estimated 27 million people. That sacrifice remains one of the few unifying chapters in Russian history and serves as a powerful national symbol.

Addressing the crowd, Putin praised Russian troops currently fighting in Ukraine. “We are proud of their courage and determination,” he said, casting today’s conflict as a continuation of Russia’s historic struggles.

Analysts say Putin has turned Victory Day into a “civic religion” — using nostalgia, patriotism, and nationalism to justify his increasingly authoritarian rule and Russia’s actions abroad.

North Korean Presence Raises Eyebrows

Among the guests in Red Square were senior North Korean military officials — one of whom received a hug from Putin. Last month, North Korea confirmed it had sent troops to support Russian operations in Ukraine, prompting growing concerns over a deepening military alliance between the two countries.

Russia recently claimed it had fully recaptured the Kursk region following a Ukrainian incursion last year — a claim Ukraine disputes.

Drone Strikes, Airport Chaos Shadow the Celebration

Despite the pageantry, Moscow wasn’t immune to the ongoing war’s realities. Ukrainian drone attacks disrupted airports in the capital, leading Aeroflot to cancel more than 100 flights on Wednesday and delay over 140 others. Authorities responded by ramping up security and deploying electronic countermeasures, which temporarily knocked out mobile internet service in parts of the city.

Similar parades were held across Russia, including in St. Petersburg and Volgograd — both of which temporarily reverted to their World War II-era names of Leningrad and Stalingrad for the occasion.

Diplomatic Meetings Behind the Scenes

After the parade, Putin hosted a Kremlin reception with the visiting world leaders and held bilateral talks with Lula. His foreign policy adviser later told Russian state media that Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump exchanged warm greetings “through their aides,” in recognition of their shared WWII commemoration.

Europe Responds with War Crimes Push

While Putin celebrated in Moscow, dozens of European officials gathered in Lviv, western Ukraine, where they backed the creation of a special tribunal to prosecute alleged Russian war crimes.

“Russia must feel our growing strength,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the summit. “This is a moral duty — for Europe and for anyone who values human life.”

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the tribunal would help “end impunity” for crimes committed during Russia’s invasion. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas echoed that message: “Nobody can be left unpunished.”

In response, the Kremlin remained defiant. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov brushed off the tribunal initiative, saying Moscow would not comment.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials reported fresh Russian attacks across Kherson and Zaporizhzhia that killed at least two civilians and injured several more, underscoring the brutal toll of a war that shows no signs of ending.

Source: AP News – Victory Day parade in Russia celebrates the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany

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When Vladimir Putin became acting president of Russia on December 31, 1999, he was an enigma to many. A former KGB officer with a quiet demeanor, he rose to prominence with minimal fanfare, ultimately becoming one of the most powerful leaders in the world. This article explores how Putin’s tough childhood and strategic rise through the ranks of Soviet and Russian politics propelled him to the Kremlin.

A Surprising New Leader

On the last day of the 20th century, Russian president Boris Yeltsin stunned the nation by announcing his resignation. In a televised address, Yeltsin declared, “Russia must enter the new millennium with new politicians, new faces, new intelligent, strong, and energetic people.” His presidency, marred by corruption, political instability, and economic challenges, had become increasingly unpopular. Though he played a key role in the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, his leadership had left Russia in turmoil as it transitioned from a state-run economy to a free-market one.

At midnight, Putin, then prime minister, addressed the nation as acting president. Calm and composed, he promised there would be no power vacuum, warning that any lawbreaking would be “decisively crushed.” In stark contrast to the erratic behavior of Yeltsin, whose frequent health issues and alcohol problems made headlines, Putin presented a more disciplined, fit, and sober image—qualities that endeared him to many Russians tired of uncertainty.

Putin’s Stealthy Rise

Putin’s ascent to power was rapid and unexpected. In August 1999, he was appointed prime minister, despite being largely unknown to the public. A former KGB agent, he had been plucked from relative obscurity. By the time he became acting president in December of the same year, he had earned popularity for his tough stance on the war in Chechnya, a separatist region in Russia.

In March 2000, Putin secured the presidency, winning nearly 53% of the vote in the first round of elections. With Russia seeking stability, his message of restoring strength and order resonated deeply. The new leader of the world’s largest country, Putin, though previously a shadowy figure, had positioned himself as the strongman who could restore Russia’s power and dignity.

A Man of Action: From Humble Beginnings

Vladimir Putin was born in 1952 in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), seven years after the city had endured a brutal siege during World War II. His older brother died during the siege, and his parents barely survived. Raised in a cramped communal apartment infested with rats and cockroaches, Putin’s childhood was marked by hardship and resilience. He often recalled having to fight rats in the hallway, a story he would later use to symbolize his rise from adversity.

Putin’s childhood friend, Maria Osorina, described him as a small, thin boy who had to toughen up to survive in the tough environment. “It was survival of the fittest,” she said. “He was determined to be strong so he wouldn’t get beaten up.” His parents, while deeply loving, were emotionally restrained. Putin’s father was known for his cold demeanor, and his mother’s affection was similarly reserved.

Despite these tough conditions, Putin excelled academically. He developed a keen intellect and a desire to keep a low profile, which would serve him well later in life. A schoolmate recalled that Putin was never the center of attention, preferring to influence events from behind the scenes. “He was a man of deeds, not words,” said Sergei Kudrov, a former classmate. “He was an introvert—nothing like Yeltsin, who sought the spotlight.”

The KGB and a Life in the Shadows

From a young age, Putin harbored a fascination with the KGB, the Soviet Union’s intelligence agency. Inspired by the 1968 Soviet spy film The Shield and the Sword, which depicted a Russian double agent during World War II, Putin dreamed of serving his country as an undercover operative. He pursued this ambition by studying law and later joining the KGB, where he spent over 16 years living a double life as an intelligence officer.

During the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Putin was stationed in East Germany. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 left him at a crossroads, but his loyalty to Russia and the KGB remained unwavering. Shortly thereafter, Putin returned to Leningrad, where he became deputy to the new mayor, Anatoly Sobchak. This role marked the beginning of his political career. After Sobchak’s political defeat, Putin was brought to Moscow, where his ascent within the Yeltsin administration accelerated.

The Kremlin’s Stealthy Strategist

By 1999, Putin had become a key figure in the Russian government, serving as prime minister under Yeltsin. His rise was swift and strategic, as he positioned himself as a reliable, strong leader capable of guiding Russia out of its chaos. Unlike Boris Yeltsin, whose unpredictable behavior and health problems had made him an unreliable figure, Putin projected an image of calm authority.

Putin’s friend, Maria Osorina, noted that his leadership style was a “breath of fresh air” compared to previous Russian leaders. “He is the first leader since the Revolution that I really like,” she said. “He’s the first one I’m not ashamed of.”

A Quarter-Century of Power

Over the next two decades, Putin solidified his grip on power, becoming Russia’s longest-serving leader since Joseph Stalin. By 2024, Putin, now 72, has served as president for more than a quarter-century. While opposition to his rule has largely disappeared, he remains a dominant figure in Russian politics, with few obstacles to his continued reign.

Putin’s rise from a modest, tough childhood in Leningrad to the presidency of Russia is a testament to his resilience, strategic mind, and ability to adapt to the political winds. Whether beloved or despised, Putin’s grip on power is unlikely to loosen anytime soon, making him one of the most enduring and enigmatic figures in modern global politics.

Source

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