Victory Day 2025: Moscow with red flags, 19 countries' armies participate in parade

A corner of Red Square on May 3 - Photo: REUTERS

On May 9, Russia will solemnly celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory Day - a significant historical milestone with the participation of many international politicians and military corps from many countries participating in the parade at Red Square.

Moscow held its first military training on April 23. Two preliminary rehearsals were held on April 29 and May 3. The final rehearsal for the parade will take place at 10 a.m. on May 7.

On May 9, 2025, Moscow will hold an official parade to celebrate Victory Day, marking the 80th anniversary of the resounding victory of the Soviet Red Army and the Allies in the fight against fascism, creating an important premise to end World War II.

In Red Square - the heart of the capital, red flags fluttering in the sky have turned Moscow into an extremely vivid picture.

Russian military vehicles practice on Tverskaya Street on May 3 - Photo: REUTERS

Military vehicles on Tverskaya Street on May 3 - Photo: REUTERS

When is the parade?

According to Izvestia (Russia), the official parade at Red Square will begin at 10am on May 9 (local time) and will last 2 hours.

The parade will be broadcast live on Russia's Channel One, Rossiya 1, and Zvezda TV.

In addition, the Victory Day parade was broadcast on large screens installed on central streets, as well as on media screens in Moscow metro trains.

Videos and thematic footage of the historic Red Square Parade in 1945 will also be shown.

The event will open with a solemn lowering of the Russian flag and the Victory Banner in Red Square. President Vladimir Putin will then deliver a speech, paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for independence and peace.

The ceremony will conclude with a sacred minute of silence and a spectacular display of modern military hardware and the Russian Air Force in the skies over Moscow.

In Moscow, motorcades will move along the route Zvenigorodskoe highway - Barrikadnaya metro station - Tverskaya - Manezhnaya street and finally Red Square.

Preparations for the celebrations are now in their final stages. Traffic in Moscow will be restricted to Tverskaya, Sadovoye Koltso, Mokhovaya, Arbat streets, and the embankments near Red Square are currently closed. No visitors will be allowed until after the May holidays.

Russian Sailors rehearse for parade on May 3 - Photo: REUTERS

Russian soldiers rehearse for parade on May 3 - Photo: REUTERS

Forces of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations rehearse for a parade on May 3 - Photo: REUTERS

Vietnamese military delegation participates in joint exercise on May 3 - Photo: VNA

Participation of many countries

According to information from the media company bneIntelliNews, this year's Victory Day parade is considered large-scale and remarkable.

Not only is this an opportunity for Russia to showcase its most advanced weapons and military equipment, it also attracts the participation of military forces from 19 countries, affirming Russia's growing international influence.

Military formations from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Serbia, Tajikistan, North Korea and several other countries will march alongside Russian armed forces in Red Square, creating a symbolic image of military cooperation and international solidarity.

The ceremony also witnessed the presence of heads of state and leaders of countries.

In Asia, General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam, and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will attend.

2025 is also the first year that Vietnam will send military forces to attend the parade to celebrate the 80th anniversary of this important day in Moscow - a symbol of deep friendship.

The Latin American side will be attended by leaders from Brazil, Cuba, and Venezuela. Other guests will come from European, Middle Eastern, and African countries, including Slovakia, Serbia, Palestine, and Burkina Faso.