Russia holds Victory Day celebrations

Russia will hold its Victory Day celebrations today with President Xi in attendance.

Victory Day celebrates the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War Two, with a military parade through Moscow’s Red Square being the major event of the day. Historically, Victory Day celebrations have drawn foreign leaders from around the world, but many fewer are in attendance due to the heightened tensions between Russia and the West as a result of the Russo-Ukrainian war. The most notable foreign leader to attend today’s celebrations is President Xi Jinping of China.

President Xi’s presence at Russia’s Victory Day celebrations signals a continuation of the two powers’ increasing cooperation since the start of the Russo-Ukrainian War. Xi’s attendance at the parade is a part of a four day visit to Moscow. While in Moscow, Xi will meet with Putin to discuss trade and Russia’s supply of oil and gas to China, among other issues. Chinese cooperation has been vital to Russia’s war efforts. China has stepped in to fill the gaps in Russia’s oil and gas export markets that were created when Europe sanctioned Russia following the start of the war in Ukraine, as well as supporting Russia’s military-industrial complex with machinery and technology. Additionally, both sides have offered the other diplomatic support, with China backing Russia’s war efforts and Russia supporting China’s claims to Taiwan. Looking forward, the two powers appear poised to strengthen their close relationship—in diplomacy and trade—and continue to work together in an alliance against the West.