Red Square, Rising Powers: Russia’s WWII Parade Becomes a Global Power Play

Image Source: Atlantic Council

Russia will host the leaders of China, Brazil, and a number of other countries on May 9 to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Victory Day festivities in Moscow, revolving around a grand parade in Red Square, have become Russia's most important secular holiday and an important platform for demonstrating its international alliances in the face of current geopolitical tensions.

Key Highlights:

Russian President Vladimir Putin will welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, along with other heads of state, highlighting Moscow's push to boost ties with major partners beyond the West.
Xi Jinping, who Putin called the "main guest," will be there for four days, when the two presidents will touch on bilateral ties, trade, energy partnerships, and coordination within the BRICS bloc.
Brazil's Lula will have his first official trip to Moscow since the war in Ukraine broke out, showcasing Brazil's increased participation in BRICS and strategic cooperation with Russia and China.
Leaders from Cuba, Vietnam, Venezuela, Burkina Faso, Serbia, and some former Soviet republics are also on the guest list, indicating a wide coalition of backing for Russia amid Western sanctions and diplomatic pressure.
The celebration is a far cry from previous Victory Day parades that saw Western leaders participating in friendlier Russia-West relations. Today, the event represents Moscow's shift towards the Global South and emerging economies.
Russian officials highlight the fact that the presence shows Russia's ongoing global significance and ideological convergence of many nations with Moscow's vision.
More than 15 bilateral interactions are scheduled during the event, with even the U.S. ambassador invited, though the American participation is not confirmed.

This 80th Victory Day is a historical remembrance but also a strategic demonstration of Russia's partnerships in the backdrop of the war in Ukraine and changing global power balance.

Source: Business Standard, The Week, LatestLY