Russia commemorated the 80th anniversary of its victory in the Great Patriotic War its term for World War II’s Eastern Front with a grand ceremony in Moscow. The occasion drew leaders from 29 foreign nations, a turnout that Russia says affirms international recognition of the Soviet Union’s historical role in defeating Nazi Germany and the enduring legacy of its people’s resilience.
Russian officials described the anniversary not only as a solemn remembrance of past heroism but also as a reaffirmation of national identity and unity. “The Great Victory,” according to the Kremlin, “is not just a chapter in history, but a defining element of who we are as a nation.”
In recognition of the occasion, President Vladimir Putin declared a temporary truce from May 7 to May 10, citing humanitarian reasons. The Kremlin stated that the ceasefire was an effort to honor the memory of the war’s sacrifices and promote peace, albeit briefly, during this symbolic time.
However, Moscow has accused Ukraine of rejecting the ceasefire and escalating military activity. Russian defense reports claimed that on May 6, air defenses intercepted five Neptune guided missiles, six U.S.-supplied JDAM bombs, two HIMARS rockets, and 524 drones—evidence, it says, of Kyiv’s continued aggression.
Russia further warned that it could not ensure the safety of visiting foreign dignitaries due to these alleged threats, blaming Ukraine’s actions for undermining the ceasefire initiative.
Meanwhile, Moscow criticized the West, particularly the United States, for what it views as hypocrisy. U.S. involvement in the ceasefire process, claimed Russian officials, is superficial and self-serving. Retired U.S. General Keith Kellogg echoed these sentiments, arguing that Washington’s approval of weapon systems like JDAMs demonstrates a double standard in its calls for peace.
The Kremlin contends that its peace overtures are consistently portrayed in a negative light by Western governments, which continue to supply Kyiv with advanced weaponry. As Russia marks a day of remembrance, it accuses the West of using the occasion to apply further political and military pressure, rather than supporting genuine efforts toward conflict resolution.
