As Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares for his highly choreographed May 9 “Victory Day” military parade, he has made it clear who tops his guest list: Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Xi is scheduled to arrive in Moscow on Wednesday for a four-day state visit. According to Beijing, the visit is intended to deepen “mutual trust” between the two leaders and will include Xi’s participation in events marking the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
Xi’s attendance underscores the growing alignment between the two authoritarian leaders at a time when US President Donald Trump’s America First foreign policy has disrupted global alliances and strained relations between Washington and both Beijing and Moscow.
In remarks last month, Putin referred to Xi as his main guest. An article attributed to Xi and published in Russian state media ahead of the visit emphasized the need for China and Russia to resolutely oppose all forms of hegemonism and power politics and to resist any attempts to interfere with or undermine” their relationship.
The strong camaraderie between our two nations, forged in blood and sacrifice, surges onward unceasingly … It is an eternal wellspring nourishing our everlasting friendship,” the article stated, as cited by China’s Foreign Ministry, referencing their alliance during World War II.
Other international leaders expected to attend the celebrations include Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Vietnam’s President To Lam, and Belarusian leader Aleksandr Lukashenko. A contingent from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army honor guard will also participate in the parade.
This year’s commemoration takes place against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. In anticipation of the parade, Putin proposed a three-day ceasefire with Kyiv. Some analysts believe the move was intended to ensure that Russia’s military showcase could proceed uninterrupted in front of foreign dignitaries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the ceasefire offer, dismissing it as a “theatrical performance.” He reiterated his support for an earlier US-backed proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, calling for a more meaningful pause in hostilities.
Earlier this month, Zelensky warned world leaders considering attending the parade that Ukraine “cannot be responsible for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation,” referencing the ongoing conflict. The Kremlin later described the comment as a threat.
Ukraine has carried out several drone attacks on Moscow throughout the war, including some in recent days that forced temporary airport closures in the Russian capital. One of the most significant attacks in March killed three people.
Ukrainian officials argue the strikes are aimed at dismantling infrastructure essential to Moscow’s war efforts. They describe the attacks as retaliation for Russia’s continued bombardment of Ukrainian cities, civilian areas, and energy facilities.
Victory Day on May 9 is one of Russia’s most important national holidays, commemorating Nazi Germany’s 1945 surrender to the Soviet Union. Under Putin, the holiday has taken on even more political and symbolic weight. In recent years, Russia has faced a reduced display of military hardware during the parade, as much of its arsenal remains deployed on the Ukrainian front lines.
