Russia’s 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.
Victory Day, which is celebrated in Russia on May 9, has become the country’s most important secular holiday. A massive parade through Red Square and other ceremonies underline Moscow’s efforts to project its power and cement the alliances it has forged while seeking a counterbalance to the West amid the 3-year-old war in Ukraine.
“For Putin, this day is important as a demonstration how broad a coalition backing Russia is,” said political analyst Nikolai Petrov.
The lineup of leaders coming to Moscow this year contrasts sharply to some past celebrations that drew top Western leaders at a time of friendlier ties between Russia and the West.
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