Why May 9? This is the perfect opportunity to bring out one of those historical anecdotes we love so much. On May 7, 1945, German General Alfred Jodl signed the surrender in Reims, effective May 8 at 11:01 p.m. So much for the West. But Stalin, dissatisfied, demanded a second signing in Berlin, in the presence of Soviet generals. This signing took place at 11 p.m. on May 8... but 11 p.m. in Berlin means 1 a.m. on May 9 in Moscow. Since 1965, this date has been a public holiday in the countries of the former USSR.
A historic parade
The authorities announced a ceremony on an unprecedented scale: more than an hour of parades on Red Square, with soldiers, tanks, and iconic equipment such as the T-34 tank and the SU-100. Some equipment currently used in Ukraine will also be on display. Soldiers from 13 countries will march alongside Russian troops.
In a speech lasting around ten minutes, Vladimir Putin paid tribute to the soldiers of the Second World War and justified the war in Ukraine. He stated that "the whole country, society and the people support those taking part in the special military operation."
Drawing an explicit parallel between both conflicts, he added: "Our duty is to defend the honor of the Red Army. Russian soldiers have become a barrier against Nazism." He concluded: "We will continue to fight against the crimes of these people. Truth and justice are on our side. We are proud of the courage of those participating in the special military operation"... in Ukraine.
A contested ceasefire
Russia announced a unilateral ceasefire earlier this week. Ukraine saw this as a publicity stunt, preferring a 30-day truce. Since then, both sides have accused each other of violating the ceasefire. This is a scenario we already saw during the Easter weekend.
Maximum security in Moscow
Security measures are unprecedented: lengthy internet blackouts, the closure of numerous metro stations, and shops closed along the route. Ukraine, which has canceled all celebrations in Kiev for security reasons, is still perceived as a threat. An attack on the Kremlin took place just over two years ago. The mayor of Moscow claims to have intercepted nine Ukrainian missiles on the outskirts of the capital a few days ago.
A closely watched diplomatic game
The presence or absence of certain leaders may seem secondary, although this is not so for Volodymyr Zelensky or Vladimir Putin. By welcoming heads of state from all walks of life, and not the least important ones, the Russian president is seeking to strengthen his alliances outside the Western framework.
The Slovak prime minister will be the only representative of the European Union, a move that has been strongly criticized by the French minister for European affairs. But for the Kremlin, the main thing is to prove that Russia is not isolated. A total of 29 heads of state or government are expected, including Xi Jinping and Lula.
Beyond traditional allies, countries such as Egypt, Congo, and Indonesia will be represented. All of them maintain close relations with the West, but also share certain ideological points of convergence with Moscow.
However, a few notable absences have been noted. Kazakhstan, loyal to the May 9 commemoration, has refused to participate in this year's militarized spectacle. India is also a no-show: its president, Narendra Modi, who had initially been announced, declined, due to the conflict in Kashmir.
