Victory Day Parade in Moscow to Mark 80th Anniversary of WWII Victory

The parade began with the striking of the Kremlin Clock. The Russian national flag and the victory banner - the sacred symbol of triumph over fascism raised over Berlin in 1945 - were carried into Red Square by the 154th Preobrazhensky Regiment.

Defense Minister’s Inspection

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov inspected the troops, accompanied by commander-in-chief of the ground forces, General Oleg Salyukov.

Over 11,500 soldiers from the Russian Armed Forces and security agencies participated, including 1,500 veterans of the special military operation.

Defense Minister Andrei Belousov concluded his inspection of the troops and proceeded to the central tribune to deliver his report to the President of the Russian Federation, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin.

President Putin’s Address

President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War:

We are united by our reverence for the generation that defeated Nazism in the Great Patriotic War.

Our country, at the cost of millions of lives, secured freedom and peace for all of humanity.

Victory Day is the most important holiday for Russia.

Russia will always be an indestructible barrier against Nazism and will fight against the atrocities of its followers.

The entire country supports the participants of the special operation and is proud of their strength of spirit.

Russia will never allow the true victors over Nazism to be slandered.

The complete defeat of Nazism was achieved through the joint efforts of many countries, and Russia highly appreciates the contribution of its allies.

The president called on Russians to look up to veterans and their determination to defend their homeland.

Historic & Modern Military Units

The parade opened with young drummers from the Moscow Military Music School, continuing an 85-year tradition.

Legendary WWII units were honored, including infantrymen with the Mosin rifles, pilots who dominated the skies, and sailors who displayed unmatched bravery.

Allied nations marched in solidarity, including contingents from Belarus, Kazakhstan, China, India, and others.

Special Military Operation Heroes

Over 20 Heroes of Russia and 44 recipients of the Order of St. George led the procession.

Servicewomen, continuing proud military dynasties, marched in formation.

Youth cadets from Suvorov, Nakhimov, and Yunarmiya (Youth Army) represented the future defenders of Russia.
Mechanized Column – Power & Precision

183 vehicles rolled across Red Square, from legendary WWII T-34 tanks to cutting-edge systems:

T-90M Proryv tanks

Iskander-M missile systems

S-400 Triumph air defenses

Yars intercontinental ballistic missile launchers

S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems on Red Square in Moscow during a military parade dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

An autonomous launcher of the Yars PGRK on Red Square in Moscow during a military parade dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

T-90M Proryv tanks on Red Square in Moscow during the military parade dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Iskander-M operational-tactical missile systems on Red Square in Moscow during the military parade dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems on Red Square in Moscow during a military parade dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

An autonomous launcher of the Yars PGRK on Red Square in Moscow during a military parade dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

T-90M Proryv tanks on Red Square in Moscow during the military parade dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Iskander-M operational-tactical missile systems on Red Square in Moscow during the military parade dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems on Red Square in Moscow during a military parade dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

First-ever drone battalion display, featuring Lancet and Orlan UAVs

Aerial Spectacle

The Russkiye Vityazi (Russian Knights) and Strizhi (Swifts) aerobatic teams perform breathtaking maneuvers in Su-30 and MiG-29 jets.

The grand finale: six Su-25 attack jets painted the sky in the colors of the Russian flag.

Finale

The parade concluded with the Russian national anthem and the iconic "Den Pobedy" (Victory Day), honoring the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory.