Online Reporter
President Mnangagwa has arrived in Moscow to participate in the 80th Victory Day celebrations, marking Russia’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. He landed at Vnukovo International Airport at approximately 12:30 PM local time (11:30 AM Zimbabwe time).
Accompanying the President are Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, and other senior government officials.
Upon arrival, he was welcomed by Mikhail Bogdanov, Russia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Africa and the Middle East, along with Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Russia, Mark Grey Marongwe.
During his stay, President Mnangagwa will join numerous other Heads of State for the May 9 celebrations, with 29 world leaders expected to attend this significant event.
Zimbabwe and Russia maintain strong political and economic ties.
Our Political Editor Kuda Bwititi is in Moscow to cover the event.
Stay tuned for more updates.
Who is attending Russia’s World War II Victory Day celebrations with President Mnangagwa?
The Kremlin has released a guest list of countries and foreign leaders scheduled to attend the May 9 Russia Victory Day parade.
At least 29 world leaders are also expected to attend the event.
The 29 Heads of State who are expected to attend are from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burkina Faso, China, Congo, Cuba, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Palestine, Serbia, Slovakia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe.
Representatives from North Korea and Russian-controlled Abkhazia and South Ossetia and defence ministers from 31 countries will also be present.
Military personnel from 13 countries will march through Moscow on the day of the parade.
Troops from Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, Egypt, Laos, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam will march in the parade.
Every year on May 9, Russia holds impressive military parades in celebration of its victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
Last year, nine foreign leaders joined President Putin at the parade.
A look at some Russian investments that have brought tangible benefits to Zimbabwe
Some of the several Russian investments that have brought positive and tangible benefits to Zimbabweans include the Alrosa diamond mining project, air ambulances being used by public hospitals, and the country’s second space satellite, which is a partnership with Russian experts.
Russian company Ecorost is also supplying fertiliser to Zimbabwe.
There are also several Russian companies operating or seeking investments in key areas such as energy, mining, agriculture, science, and technology.
Presently, hundreds of Zimbabwean students are studying at Russian universities through scholarships offered by the two governments.
Last year, Russia donated 50 000 tonnes of grain and 26 000 tonnes of fertiliser to Zimbabwe at a time when the country was bearing the brunt of an El Nino-induced drought.
Why Zimbabwe’s presence at Russia’s Victory Day celebrations matters
President Mnangagwa’s attendance at the Victory Day celebrations is more than just diplomacy.
As the SADC chair, his presence signals firm solidarity with Russia, alongside other African leaders from Burkina Faso, Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, and Guinea-Bissau.
In terms of economic interests, Harare and Moscow are mutual partners, and Zimbabwe is seeking more investment from Russia’s companies.
To date, Russia has invested heavily in sectors such as mining, agriculture, health, and science and technology.
Russia’s Victory Day celebrations: A grand commemoration of World War II triumph
Every year on May 9th, Russia commemorates its victory over Nazi Germany in World War II with grandeur and pomp. The Victory Day celebrations are a significant national holiday, honouring the sacrifices of those who fought and died in the Great Patriotic War.
The military parade
The centerpiece of the celebrations is the military parade on Moscow’s Red Square. Over 14 000 military personnel, more than 210 vehicles, and 3 800 vehicle crews participate in the parade, showcasing Russia’s military might and precision. The event begins with the President and Prime
Minister of Russia arriving at the grandstand, followed by the parade commander’s report, and the inspection of troops.
Aerial displays and memorial events
The parade is accompanied by a flypast by the Russian Air Force, with tens of aircraft flying over Red Square. In addition to the parade, there are also wreath-laying ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and other memorial events throughout the country.
A celebration of national pride
Victory Day is a celebration of national pride, marking Russia’s triumph over Nazi Germany and honouring the sacrifices of those who fought and died in the war. The celebrations serve as a reminder of the country’s rich history and its continued commitment to peace and security.
International significance
The Victory Day celebrations also hold international significance, with leaders from around the world attending the parade and other events. This year, several African leaders, including President Mnangagwa, are expected to attend, highlighting the growing diplomatic ties between Russia and Africa.
President Mnangagwa joins other leaders at Grand Kremlin Palace
SADC Chairperson President Mnangagwa attends a dinner hosted for visiting Heads of State and Government which was hosted by Russia’s President Vladimir Putin at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow.
Russia celebrates World War II victory
President Mnangagwa has arrived at the Kremlin to witness Russia’s 80th Victory Day celebrations, commemorating the country’s victory over Germany in World War II.
Earlier, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin presided over the welcoming ceremony of Heads of State to the auspicious event.
President Mnangagwa was officially welcomed by President Putin at the Kremlin, with the two leaders sharing a warm handshake.
Approximately 30 Heads of State are attending the grand ceremony, including the guest of honour, China’s President Xi Jinping.
The celebrations, marked by military displays, commenced at 10 am Russian time.
Full details of Russia’s Victory Day Military Parade
President of Russia, Supreme Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Putin attended a military parade, marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945.
Before the parade, President Putin welcomed in the Kremlin the leaders of foreign countries who had come to Moscow for the Victory Day celebrations.
The parade began with a march of the banner group bringing the national flag of Russia and the Victory Banner into Red Square. The parade was led by Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Ground Forces General of the Army Oleg Salyukov and reviewed by Defence Minister Andrei Belousov.
The marching column on Red Square included 55 ceremonial units of over 11 500 service personnel, including over 1 500 personnel involved in the special military operation. Military contingents from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Egypt, China, Laos, Mongolia, and Myanmar also took part in the Victory Parade.
The mechanised column was led by the legendary T-34 Victory Tank and SU-100 self-propelled artillery units. The Tigr-M and VPK-Ural armoured vehicles, Linza armoured medical vehicles, BRM-1K reconnaissance vehicles, BTR-82A armoured personnel carriers, BMP-2M, BMP-3 and Kurganets-25 infantry fighting vehicles, BMD-4 and BTR-MDM Rakushka airborne infantry fighting vehicles, as well as main battle tanks T-72B3M, T-80BVM and T-90M Proryv were part of the mechanised column as well.
Missile and artillery units showcased self-propelled artillery systems, Iskander-M precision missile systems, the S-400 Triumf air defence complex, and Yars intercontinental ballistic missile launchers.
For the first time, the parade presented unmanned aerial vehicles and loitering munitions, including the Orlan, Lancet, Garpiya and Geran drones.
The parade concluded with the renowned Kubinka Diamond formation of Su-30 and MiG-29 fighter jets from the Russkiye Vityazi (Russian Knights) and Strizhi (Swifts) aerobatic teams.
Closing the flyover, Su-25 attack aircraft painted the sky in the colours of the Russian national flag.
The music accompaniment for the parade was provided by the combined military orchestra of the Moscow Garrison.
Source: The Kremlin.
