Online Reporter
Kuda Bwititi in Moscow, Russia
RUSSIA unequivocally demonstrated its formidable military might yesterday during the grand Victory Day celebrations, as thousands of highly disciplined troops, flanked by cutting-edge military hardware, paraded through Moscow’s iconic Red Square with 29 Heads of State, including President Mnangagwa, gathered at the Kremlin to witness the imposing display of national power.
President Mnangagwa was among the VVIPs in Moscow’s iconic Red Square as Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and China’s President Xi Jinping, the guest of honour, watched thousands of troops parade. The event served as a powerful display of unity between the two global heavyweights.
The annual May 9 commemoration marks the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II and the end of the deadliest conflict in human history. This year’s event was particularly significant, marking the 80th anniversary of that victory.
Millions perished during World War II, a conflict that engulfed the globe and saw even Zimbabwean citizens participate in the war effort.
During the military parade, a wide array of tanks — both modern and historical — was showcased, as more than 11 500 soldiers from Russia and its allies delivered a spectacular display of military precision.
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 parade began with a ceremonial march of the banner group carrying the national flag of Russia and the Victory Banner into Red Square. The event was led by Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Ground Forces, General Oleg Salyukov, and reviewed by Defence Minister Andrei Belousov.
The mechanised column featured a range of Russian military vehicles, including the T-34 Victory Tank, SU-100 artillery, Tigr-M and VPK-Ural armoured vehicles, as well as various infantry fighting vehicles and main battle tanks such as the T-72B3M, T-80BVM, and T-90M.
Missile and artillery units paraded advanced systems, including the Iskander-M, S-400, and Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles. For the first time, drones such as Orlan, Lancet, Garpiya, and Geran were also featured. The parade concluded with a flypast by aerobatic teams and Su-25 aircraft painting the sky in the colours of the Russian flag.
Before the military displays, a welcoming ceremony was held for the attending Heads of State.
President Mnangagwa, wearing his signature scarf, made a grand entrance through the Kremlin before taking his seat among the distinguished guests. He was warmly greeted by President Putin, with the two leaders exchanging a handshake just before the parade began.
In his address, President Putin reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to defending its values and historical legacy. He paid tribute to the Soviet Union’s decisive role in defeating Nazism during World War II.
“We faithfully preserve the memory of those historic, glorious events. Our fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers saved the Fatherland, and they bequeathed us to defend the Motherland,” President Putin said.
He warned against attempts to distort history or justify Nazi collaborators, reiterating Russia’s firm stance against Russophobia and anti-Semitism. He also expressed support for those currently involved in military operations, praising their courage and resolve.
“As the heirs of the victors, today we celebrate Victory Day as the most important holiday for the country, which the entire nation, each family, and each of us holds dear. Our fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers saved the Fatherland. And they bequeathed us to defend the Motherland, to stay united and firmly defend our national interests, our thousand-year history, culture and traditional values — everything that is dear to us, that is sacred to us.
“Our duty is to defend the honour of the Red Army soldiers and commanders, and the heroism of fighters of different ethnic backgrounds who will forever remain Russian soldiers in world history. Russia has been and will continue to be an indestructible obstacle to Nazism, Russophobia and anti-Semitism, and will stand in the way of the violence perpetrated by the champions of these aggressive and destructive ideas.”
It was a day to remember for the thousands of Russians who filled the Kremlin to witness the spectacle.
The event was also memorable for the hundreds of journalists from around the world who packed the vast Kremlin Press Centre to report on the occasion. For Julia Stepuro, a journalist with First News for Child TV in Moscow, the day was deeply personal.
“It is the most important holiday in Russia. It gives us the time to reflect on who we are as a people and the sacrifices that were made by our fathers, grandparents and great-grandparents to not only free Russia but free the whole world from evil. My grandfather was a war veteran who, unfortunately, died in combat. He didn’t get to enjoy Victory Day.
So when I celebrate it, I celebrate it on his behalf.”
Another Russian citizen, university student Veronika Avakova, shared her family’s connection to the war.
“My great-grandfather, Senior Lieutenant Domitry Grigorievich Lesovog, fought in the war and survived.
“He passed away some years ago. He was a senior officer in the military and spoke proudly about the war when I was a little girl. Victory Day will always mean a lot to the people of Russia.”
18-year-old student Sofia Cheruousova said the day is one of family and remembrance.
“It is not just a holiday, but an important family day. It’s a day when we cook a special meal together.
“We also attend remembrance concerts across Moscow, with fireworks, musical galas, film screenings, and other performances. Everyone in Russia respects this day.”
