Russia Holds Victory Day Military Parade for WWII, Putin Affirms This

Russia held a military parade on Red Square on Saturday (9 May) local time to commemorate Victory Day from the Second World War. President Vladimir Putin emphasised that Russia’s military operation in Ukraine is a “just” matter.

Putin, as reported by AFP on Saturday (9 May 2026), has made the memory of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in the Second World War the central narrative of his 25 years in power. Russian authorities typically hold grand and magnificent military parades to commemorate it.

However, this year’s military parade was held on a smaller scale compared to previous years, due to security concerns and signs of fatigue over the Ukraine war that has lasted for the past four years.

In his speech on Red Square, Putin cited the Soviet victory in the Second World War to rally support for Russian troops in Ukraine. He described Moscow’s forces deployed to Ukraine as fighting against “aggressive forces” supported by the entire NATO alliance.

Putin emphasised that the objective of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine is “just”.

“The great achievements of the victorious generation inspire the soldiers carrying out the objectives of today’s military operation,” Putin said in his speech, referring to the Ukraine war.

“They are facing aggressive forces armed and supported by the entire NATO bloc. And despite that, our heroes continue to advance,” he stated.

Putin then added: “I am absolutely convinced that our struggle is just.”

This year’s military parade did not feature military equipment for the first time in nearly two decades, following a series of long-range attacks involving Ukrainian combat drones that rained down on Russia in recent times.

Only a handful of foreign officials attended, most of whom were leaders of countries closely allied with Russia.

Both Russia and Ukraine agreed to a three-day ceasefire for the event, following a last-minute appeal from United States President Donald Trump.

The military parade on Red Square began on Saturday (9 May) morning, shortly after 10:00 Moscow time, with government television broadcasts showing formations of soldiers carrying the Russian flag to the parade site.

Russia’s Minister of Defence, Andrei Belousov, was seen congratulating the soldiers, including some from the North Korean military.