Russia commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II with a military parade. President Vladimir Putin stood alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and numerous other leaders and Russian veterans on a covered platform next to Vladimir Lenin’s mausoleum in Red Square as Russian troops marched by.
During the event, unmanned combat aerial vehicles employed by Russian forces in the conflict with Ukraine were displayed in Moscow’s Red Square, which state television declared to be the first of its kind. Both Putin and Xi were in attendance to observe the demonstration.
In addition to over 20 foreign leaders present, several Russian-made drones were positioned on launch platforms and transported by trucks across the expansive square, together with various other military equipment.
The official commentator on state TV noted that the drones are widely and effectively utilized in what is termed a Russian special military operation in Ukraine.
Among the drones showcased during the military parade to mark the 80th anniversary were the Lancet, Geran-2, Orlan-10, and Orlan-30 models.
Putin drew parallels between the current conflict in Ukraine and the Soviet victory in World War II, praising the courage of Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine. He asserted that Russia would achieve its strategic objectives in Ukraine, emphasizing that the entire country supports the war effort.
Xi Jinping expressed hope for a fair peace agreement in Ukraine. According to the Chinese state news agency Xinhua, Xi told Putin that Beijing hopes for a sustainable and just peace agreement acceptable to all parties through dialogue.
Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov announced that both President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump exchanged congratulations on the anniversary of the victory, stating: “Putin and Trump exchanged greetings through their aides regarding the commemoration.”
European Solidarity
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that a summit of European leaders supporting Kyiv would take place in Ukraine. Zelensky stated in a speech released by his office: “In Ukraine, we are also preparing to meet the leaders of the Volunteer Alliance; we will hold meetings on Saturday.” In a related development, Ukraine’s European allies approved the establishment of a court to prosecute Russian officials for the war in Ukraine.
The foreign ministers of European nations are gathering in Lviv, western Ukraine, to show symbolic support for Kyiv. EU foreign affairs chief Kaia Kalas remarked: “There can be no impunity… Russia’s war cannot go unpunished, and thus the creation of this court is crucial.”
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga stated in Lviv that this court aims to deliver appropriate rulings in the future, adding: “Kyiv seeks accountability for all, including the President of Russia, the Prime Minister of Russia, and the Foreign Minister of Russia.”
The European Union has also pledged to allocate one billion euros of frozen Russian assets to Ukrainian companies for weapons manufacturing. Kalas stated: “We have just made available one billion euros for the Ukrainian military industry so that Ukraine can better defend itself.”
Support Proposal
The newly appointed German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, expressed support for a proposal by U.S. President Donald Trump for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire during the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, threatening additional sanctions on Russia if it does not comply.
Merz stated: “Russia, in particular, must finally be prepared to engage in a long-term truce, which must pave the way for a real peace agreement… If that does not happen, we will not hesitate to continue increasing pressure through sanctions in cooperation with our European partners and the United States.”
Exchange of Accusations
On the ground, Russia and Ukraine exchanged accusations yesterday of violating a three-day ceasefire. According to the Ukrainian General Staff, around 200 clashes occurred in the battlefield in the last 24 hours.
The Ukrainian military reported that Russian forces launched multiple attacks using missiles, aerial bombing, and assaults on Ukrainian front-line positions within the past 24 hours.
Ivan Fedorov, the governor of the Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia, reported that Russia shelled eight villages near the frontline 220 times during the ceasefire. Conversely, the Russian news agency Interfax quoted the Russian Defense Ministry stating that Ukrainian forces are making more attempts to breach the Russian borders in the Kursk and Belgorod regions.
Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of the Russian region of Belgorod, reported that a Ukrainian drone attacked a government building in the city of Belgorod, noting that the incident resulted in no casualties.
Espionage Network
In another development, the Ukrainian Security Service announced that it had uncovered a Hungarian espionage network seeking intelligence on Ukraine’s defenses, and that two individuals believed to be agents of the Hungarian military intelligence were arrested.
The Hungarian government, in turn, announced the expulsion of Ukrainian diplomats accused of espionage. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated: “Today we expelled two spies working under diplomatic cover at the Ukrainian embassy in Budapest,” describing the claim as Ukrainian propaganda that should be approached cautiously.