Russia Marks 80th Anniversary of Victory Day with Grand Military Parade in Red Square

Addis Ababa, May 9, 2025 (ENA) -- Russia commemorated the solemn 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War on Friday with a grand military parade in Moscow's iconic Red Square.

The annual spectacle, a cornerstone of Russia's national identity, paid tribute to the immense sacrifice and pivotal role of the Soviet Union in defeating the Nazis, while also showcasing the nation's modern defense capabilities.

 

Attended by President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders including President Taye Atske Selassie of Ethiopia, the event underscored the state's emphasis on military strength, historical memory, and national unity, connecting the sacrifices of the past with the challenges and priorities of the present day.

The Victory Day, observed on May 9th, marks the capitulation of Nazis to the Soviet Union in 1945, concluding the devastating conflict on the Eastern Front. For Russians, it remains the most sacred secular holiday, honoring the millions who perished and celebrating the resilience that led to victory.

This 80th anniversary held particular significance, underscoring the enduring legacy of the war for contemporary Russia.

 

This year, Russia commemorated the 80th anniversary of Victory Day with an extensive military parade in Red Square, Moscow, featuring over 11,500 servicemen, including more than 1,500 who were involved in the special military operation.

 

This year, the marching column includes 55 parade units.

The mechanized column included 183 samples of modern military hardware as well as historical material represented by the legendary T-34-85 tanks of the Victory and the SU-100 self-propelled artillery systems, which led the mechanized column.

There were also the Tigr-M VPK Ural multipurpose all-terrain infantry mobility vehicles equipped with various combat modules, the Linza 4×4 armored and medical vehicles. Next comes, the infantry fighting vehicles, the T-72B3M, T-80BVM, and T-90 Proryv tanks.

 

The Missile Troops and Artillery are staged the Iskander-M tactical missile system and the Msta-S self-propelled artillery systems.

Representing the Aerospace Forces' air defense capabilities,  the S-400 surface-to-air missiles will represent the AD systems of the Aerospace Forces. The Airborne Troops will demonstrate the BMD-4M airborne assault vehicle and the BTR-MDM Rakushka APC.

 

Moreover, the Yars missile system launchers, the BTR-82A armored personnel carriers including the cutting-edge wheeled armored personnel carrier on the Boomerang chassis will be there.

For the first time, the Red Square saw the BRM-1K armored reconnaissance vehicle, the 152-mm Giatsint-K artillery systems, the Malva wheeled artillery systems.

 

The Orlan 10, the Orlan 30, the ZALA, the Lancet 51, the Lancet 52, the GARPIYA, the GERAN UAVs.

During the aerial part of the parade, the Russian Knights and Swifts aerobatic team performed involving nine Su-30 and Mig-29 aircraft.

 

Six Su-25 aircraft painted the sky of Moscow in the colors of the Russian flag.

The parade served as a powerful reminder of Russia's historical victory and its ongoing commitment to national defense. Attended by President Vladimir Putin and other dignitaries, the event underscored the state's emphasis on military strength, historical memory, and national unity, connecting the sacrifices of the past with the challenges and priorities of the present day.