Asger Risom
Xi Jinping and Other World Leaders Expected at Moscow Event Marking Victory Day Celebrations
Anniversaries tied to war often reflect both memory and power. For Russia, Victory Day has long served as a patriotic stage—this year, it also reflects the uncertainty of an ongoing war.
Drone Assault Disrupts Capital on Eve of Parade
Moscow was targeted by Ukrainian drones for the second night in a row as the city prepares for its annual May 9 military parade. At least 19 drones were destroyed before reaching the capital, according to Moscow’s mayor, with no immediate reports of injuries. Debris from the downed drones fell on a major highway, while four airports temporarily suspended flights for safety reasons, as reported by Digi24.
The attack comes just before Chinese President Xi Jinping’s arrival in Moscow for a three-day state visit. He is set to join other global leaders—including those from Brazil, Vietnam, and Belarus—for Friday’s commemorative events.
A Parade Under Pressure
Victory Day, one of the most important dates in Russia’s political calendar, honors the Soviet Union’s role in defeating Nazi Germany. For President Vladimir Putin, the day is both a public spectacle and a tool for political mobilization.
Putin recently declared a three-day unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine for “humanitarian considerations,” but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed it as symbolic and insufficient. He insisted that any armistice must last at least 30 days and warned foreign leaders visiting Moscow that Ukraine “cannot be responsible for what happens on Russian territory.”
China Ties and Drone Warfare
Zelensky also challenged China to respond after Ukrainian forces reportedly captured two Chinese fighters among Russian ranks. Beijing denied any involvement and advised its citizens to avoid military activity abroad. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to rely on drones to offset Russia’s superior arsenal, recently claiming to have downed a Russian Su-30 jet over the Black Sea using a naval drone.