Russia’s 80th-anniversary Victory Day celebrations in Moscow have become a platform for strengthening alliances beyond Western spheres, with Chinese President Xi Jinping taking center stage as the event’s principal guest. The commemorations, honoring the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War, underscored deepening ties between Moscow and Global South nations amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
During talks at the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Xi reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation across trade, energy, and technology. Over 20 agreements were signed, signaling a push for "stable and high-quality" relations, as both leaders emphasized upholding the UN’s role and preserving historical narratives of WWII.
The parade also drew leaders from Serbia, Slovakia, and Venezuela, who attended despite reported pressure from the EU and U.S. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s participation highlighted a balancing act among nations navigating Western-aligned policies. Notably, Central Asian leaders from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan joined the event, reflecting their multi-vector foreign policy strategies.
Analysts suggest the gathering reaffirms Russia’s enduring influence in the Global South, as geopolitical alignments shift. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro’s recent strategic pacts with Russia further signal consolidation of partnerships challenging Western dominance.
