Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to host the leaders of China, Brazil and other heads of states for festivities on Friday marking the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II also known as Victory Day.
The celebrations on May 9, has become one the most important days for the nation. A massive parade through the iconic Red Square and other ceremonies underline Moscow’s efforts to project its power and cement the alliances it has forged while also taking pride in its past glories.
However, since the Russia Ukraine war began the focus for Moscow is also on managing its allies and showcasing its close nit network with international leaders.
The lineup of leaders coming to Moscow is even more crucial this year as Russia has been largely shunned by the west and has instead been cultivating closer ties with other nations in Asia and the global south.
The Guest List of Putin
Vladimir Putin has described Chinese President Xi Jinping as “our main guest” at the Victory Day festivities when he discussed preparations for his visit with China’s foreign minister. The Russian leader noted that he and Xi are to discuss both bilateral and global issues at their summit in Moscow.
Xi arrived Wednesday for a four-day visit. It is reported that the two leaders would discuss trade and Russia’s supply of oil and gas to China, as well as cooperation within BRICS — the bloc of developing economies that initially included Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa but has since expanded to more countries.
China has offered robust diplomatic support to Moscow after the 2022 invasion and has emerged as a top market for Russian oil and gas, helping fill the Kremlin’s war coffers. Russia also has relied on China as the main source of machinery and electronics to keep its military machine running after Western sanctions curtailed high-tech supplies.
While Beijing hasn’t provided weapons to use in Ukraine, it has backed the Kremlin diplomatically, blaming the West for threatening Russia’s security. China also condemned Western sanctions against Moscow.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, another top ally whom Putin has courted, had also been expected in Moscow but he canceled his trip amid tensions with Pakistan after an attack by Pakistan based terrorist organizations where gunmen opened fire on Hindu men tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, India killing 26 innocent civilians.
India is a major partner for Russia whether it’s the trade relations, the military cooperation or the people-to-people historic ties. India is also one of the largest economies in the world and has maintained its relations with Moscow despite consistent pressure from the west.
Another important guest for Putin is Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva who also arrived Wednesday, his first official trip to Moscow since the invasion of Ukraine. He twice visited Russia during his previous tenure as president in 2003-10.
Other guests include Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has openly challenged the European Union’s policies over Ukraine. Fico has shrugged off warnings from the EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, against visiting Moscow, defiantly saying, “nobody can order me where to go or not to go. “
Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic made his first trip to Russia since the invasion, despite EU pressure that visiting Moscow could derail Serbia’s ambitions to join the bloc. He arrived in Moscow on Wednesday after falling ill last week on a trip to the U.S., which raised questions about his attendance. The Kremlin said Putin will have bilateral meetings with him and Fico on Friday.
Putin met Wednesday with the leaders of Cuba and Venezuela, who also came to Moscow. He and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro signed an agreement on strategic partnership and cooperation.
The leaders of Egypt, Vietnam and Burkina-Faso, plus presidents of several former Soviet nations, are also expected to grace the occasion.
Shadow of War
The festivities have also been overshadowed by reports of Ukrainian drone attacks that may target Moscow. Although Russia has declared a temporary ceasefire for the celebrations there are no clear indications that Ukraine will adhere to these terms.
The preparation is also causing severe disruptions at all four of the capital’s airports, with dozens of flights delayed or canceled, stranding hundreds of passengers. Tightened security around the celebrations also led to restrictions on cellphone internet service and reports of outages. Banks and taxi firms have preemptively warned customers about disruption to services over the holidays due to unstable internet access, and some shops and supermarkets have restricted deliveries due to potential network problems.
Despite all the issues Putin will be eager to showcase to the world that Russia is not a global pariah and it has allies across the world to call upon as it displays its military and historic might.
