Moscow, May 8 (HS): Russia is gearing up to commemorate the 80th Victory Day anniversary, marking the Soviet Union’s triumph over Germany in World War II. On May 9, a grand Victory Parade will take place in Moscow’s Red Square, with 29 heads of state in attendance, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, who will be the chief guest. He has arrived at the Kremlin following an invitation from President Vladimir Putin.Other expected guests include Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, though Fico’s attendance remains uncertain due to illness.

Reports from the Russian news agency TASS indicate that a face-to-face meeting between Putin and Xi is planned, followed by extensive discussions between their delegations, covering key topics such as the Ukraine conflict and U.S.-Russia relations. This marks their third interaction this year, following a video conference in January and a phone call in February.

Additionally, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is en route to Moscow from Athens, also at Putin’s invitation, to participate in the celebrations. Other leaders attending include those from Venezuela, Vietnam, and several Central Asian nations, along with representatives from Africa and Eastern Europe.

The diverse attendance at the parade underscores Russia’s escalating influence on the world stage. Putin is also expected to visit Beijing in September for further commemorative events related to the end of World War II. Celebrations with leaders from China, Brazil, and other nations are scheduled for Friday.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar