Victory Day Parade in Moscow to Mark 80th Anniversary of WWII Victory – Highlights
09:11 GMT 09.05.2025 (Updated: 09:16 GMT 09.05.2025)
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The parade began with the striking of the Kremlin Clock. The Russian national flag and the victory banner - the sacred symbol of triumph over fascism raised over Berlin in 1945 - were carried into Red Square by the 154th Preobrazhensky Regiment.
Defense Minister’s Inspection
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov inspected the troops, accompanied by commander-in-chief of the ground forces, General Oleg Salyukov.
Over 11,500 soldiers from the Russian Armed Forces and security agencies participated, including 1,500 veterans of the special military operation.
Defense Minister Andrei Belousov concluded his inspection of the troops and proceeded to the central tribune to deliver his report to the President of the Russian Federation, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin.
🚨Andrey Belousov leads the Victory Parade for the first time as Russia’s Minister of Defense.
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) May 9, 2025
The parade is commanded by Army General Oleg Salyukov, Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces. pic.twitter.com/X0VnVVUyRt
President Putin’s Address
President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War:
We are united by our reverence for the generation that defeated Nazism in the Great Patriotic War.
Our country, at the cost of millions of lives, secured freedom and peace for all of humanity.
Victory Day is the most important holiday for Russia.
Russia will always be an indestructible barrier against Nazism and will fight against the atrocities of its followers.
The entire country supports the participants of the special operation and is proud of their strength of spirit.
Russia will never allow the true victors over Nazism to be slandered.
The complete defeat of Nazism was achieved through the joint efforts of many countries, and Russia highly appreciates the contribution of its allies.
The president called on Russians to look up to veterans and their determination to defend their homeland.
Historic & Modern Military Units
The parade opened with young drummers from the Moscow Military Music School, continuing an 85-year tradition.
Legendary WWII units were honored, including infantrymen with the Mosin rifles, pilots who dominated the skies, and sailors who displayed unmatched bravery.
Allied nations marched in solidarity, including contingents from Belarus, Kazakhstan, China, India, and others.
🚨🔥🪖 T-34 LEADS MECHANIZED COLUMN THROUGH RED SQUARE
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) May 9, 2025
Leading the way, the legendary T-34 tanks. In total, 183 units of military equipment are part of the parade. pic.twitter.com/ZrjBkmAUH2
Special Military Operation Heroes
Over 20 Heroes of Russia and 44 recipients of the Order of St. George led the procession.
Servicewomen, continuing proud military dynasties, marched in formation.
Youth cadets from Suvorov, Nakhimov, and Yunarmiya (Youth Army) represented the future defenders of Russia.
Mechanized Column – Power & Precision
183 vehicles rolled across Red Square, from legendary WWII T-34 tanks to cutting-edge systems:
T-90M Proryv tanks
Iskander-M missile systems
S-400 Triumph air defenses
Yars intercontinental ballistic missile launchers
T-90M Proryv tanks on Red Square in Moscow during the military parade dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Iskander-M operational-tactical missile systems on Red Square in Moscow during the military parade dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems on Red Square in Moscow during a military parade dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
An autonomous launcher of the Yars PGRK on Red Square in Moscow during a military parade dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
T-90M Proryv tanks on Red Square in Moscow during the military parade dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Iskander-M operational-tactical missile systems on Red Square in Moscow during the military parade dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems on Red Square in Moscow during a military parade dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
An autonomous launcher of the Yars PGRK on Red Square in Moscow during a military parade dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
First-ever drone battalion display, featuring Lancet and Orlan UAVs
🚨🔥🪖Making their debut today: the BRM-1K combat reconnaissance vehicles which feature a new remote-controlled combat unit and a dynamic defense system pic.twitter.com/Em6aWIhe85
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) May 9, 2025
Aerial Spectacle
The Russkiye Vityazi (Russian Knights) and Strizhi (Swifts) aerobatic teams perform breathtaking maneuvers in Su-30 and MiG-29 jets.
The grand finale: six Su-25 attack jets painted the sky in the colors of the Russian flag.
🚨🇷🇺🔥 UP IN THE SKY: KUBINKA DIAMOND FORMATION SOARS OVER RED SQUARE
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) May 9, 2025
Russian Knights and Swifts aerobatic teams, flying Su-30 and MiG-29 jets, DAZZLE as Col Andrey Alexeev leads the formation.
Tradition follows with six Su-25 attack aircraft painting the skies in Russia’s… pic.twitter.com/854fsx5M4G
Finale
The parade concluded with the Russian national anthem and the iconic "Den Pobedy" (Victory Day), honoring the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory.
