Russia's Red Square Spectacle: Commemorating the 80th WWII Victory Day Amid Tensions

Russia marked the 80th anniversary since defeating Nazi Germany with an expansive military parade at Red Square on Friday, a prestigious event attended by President Vladimir Putin alongside foreign dignitaries like Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Celebrated on May 9, Victory Day stands as Russia's paramount secular holiday, used by Moscow to assert its international influence and showcase new global alliances amid the protracted Ukrainian conflict. Historical reverence for World War II spans across Russia's political spectrum, bolstering national unity.

Security concerns loomed as Ukrainian drone attacks targeted Moscow, causing flight disruptions. In Lviv, European officials convened on creating a tribunal for Russian war crimes, while Putin commended Russian troops in Ukraine. A brief ceasefire was declared, yet ongoing hostilities underscore deep-rooted tensions.

(With inputs from agencies.)