China’s Xi Joins Putin for Russia’s Victory Day Parade Amid Ceasefire Controversy

China’s Xi Joins Putin for Russia’s Victory Day Parade Amid Ceasefire Controversy

Chinese President Xi Jinping stood shoulder to shoulder with Russian President Vladimir Putin during Russia’s Victory Day parade, a significant show of unity as the war in Ukraine continues. The annual celebration in Moscow’s Red Square commemorated the Soviet Union's triumph over Nazi Germany, but this year it was also used to bolster support for Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine—reframed once again as a “special military operation” by President Putin.

In Short:
At Russia's Victory Day parade, President Xi Jinping stood beside Vladimir Putin in a high-profile show of support, underscoring deepening ties between China and Russia amid the Ukraine war. Putin used the event to justify the ongoing invasion, while Ukraine rejected Russia’s ceasefire as a facade, citing continued attacks. The presence of Chinese, North Korean, and other allied troops highlighted Russia’s pivot away from the West. Meanwhile, Ukraine called for a real 30-day truce, backed by U.S. President Trump as a step toward lasting peace.

Heightened security surrounded the ceremony following recent Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Moscow and other regions. A temporary three-day unilateral ceasefire declared by Russia coincided with the parade, though Ukraine has dismissed the move as a political performance rather than a genuine attempt at de-escalation.

Symbolic Presence: Xi Jinping in Red Square

The highlight of this year’s Victory Day was the presence of President Xi Jinping and a contingent of more than 100 Chinese soldiers, marking a powerful visual of China-Russia solidarity. Xi wore the orange-and-black St. George ribbon—considered a symbol of military glory in Russia but banned in several neighboring states.

State-run Russian media hailed the event as the pinnacle of Moscow-Beijing relations, emphasizing a joint stance against what they call the “collective West.” Xi and Putin held two rounds of discussions before the parade and reportedly exchanged views on the war in Ukraine during an informal meeting, according to TIT.

Military Showcase Reflecting Modern Warfare

For the first time, a convoy of vehicles carrying combat drones featured in the parade, underlining their increasing role in the conflict with Ukraine. Alongside these were traditional displays of military hardware, including Yars nuclear missile systems, tanks, and armored personnel carriers. A formation of Su-25 jets flew over Red Square to conclude the event.

The opening march, led by Ground Forces Commander Oleg Salyukov and reviewed by newly appointed Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, included over 11,000 troops. Among them were roughly 1,500 soldiers who have served in Ukraine.

A Ceasefire Rejected and Violated

Despite Russia's announcement of a ceasefire to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two in Europe, Ukraine quickly rejected the gesture. Officials in Kyiv described it as a “theatrical show,” claiming Russian forces had launched thousands of attacks since the ceasefire began on Wednesday night.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of insincerity and called for a longer, verifiable ceasefire. “We are ready for a full ceasefire starting right now,” Zelensky said in a video shared on X. “But it must be real. No missile or drone strikes, no hundreds of assaults on the front.”

Ukraine reported 200 frontline clashes, 18 Russian airstrikes, and nearly 4,000 instances of shelling during the supposed truce. One drone strike killed a woman in the Zaporizhzhia region, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Russia's defense ministry maintained that its forces had halted offensive operations but said they were responding defensively to Ukrainian provocations in a “mirror-like” fashion.

International Leaders, Divided Opinions

Russia claimed 27 foreign leaders attended the event, though the most prominent by far was Xi. The presence of North Korean troops—though not participating in the march—also stood out. Thousands of North Koreans are believed to have engaged in combat in the Kursk region, and Putin personally greeted General Kim Yong-bok, a high-ranking North Korean military officer.

Also in attendance were leaders from countries maintaining close ties with Russia, including Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, Serbia’s Aleksandar Vučić, and Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico—the only EU member head of state to travel to Moscow.

Serbia’s participation has drawn criticism, especially as it remains a candidate for EU membership. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas previously advised that EU nations and aspiring members should not attend the Victory Day event due to Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine.

Taiwan Challenges Historical Narrative

Taiwan condemned the portrayal of Chinese Communist Party forces as key contributors to World War Two victory. According to the government in Taipei, it was the then-nationalist government—later exiled to Taiwan—that bore the real brunt of anti-Japanese resistance.

Officials said that Beijing and Moscow had “distorted history” by failing to acknowledge the substantial sacrifices made by the Republic of China during the war.

A Broader Strategic Message

For Putin, Xi’s participation was a diplomatic victory, emphasizing Russia’s shift towards Eastern partnerships amid isolation from the West. Putin praised the “courageous people of China” and paid tribute to wartime allies while using the occasion to rally domestic support for the Ukraine conflict.

He repeated familiar themes—linking Russia's actions today to the fight against Nazism—and said Russia would always stand as a “barrier against Nazism, Russophobia, and antisemitism,” despite widespread criticism over the use of these terms to describe Ukraine’s government.

Calls for a Longer Ceasefire

President Zelensky has continued to advocate for a genuine 30-day ceasefire, a proposal reportedly backed by Ukraine’s Western allies. In a call with US President Donald Trump, Zelensky reiterated his readiness for “talks in any format” and stressed that a prolonged truce would be a meaningful step toward peace.

Trump echoed that message on Truth Social, calling for an “unconditional ceasefire” and warning of additional sanctions for any violations. Ukraine’s position remains firm: any peace gesture must be verifiable and lasting, not just symbolic.