• Ukraine may target Russia's Victory Day parade, potentially disrupting Putin's attempt to project strength and international support.
• Despite inviting leaders like Xi Jinping, the event highlights Russia's isolation and the ongoing conflict's impact on its economy and international standing.
• Security concerns, including drone attacks and potential internal threats, overshadow the parade, indicating the challenges Russia faces in Ukraine.

Russia's Victory Day parade, commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany, is an annual event used to project national pride and military strength. This year, the parade faces significant security threats from potential Ukrainian attacks, particularly drone strikes, raising anxiety within the Kremlin. Despite inviting numerous foreign leaders, including China's Xi Jinping, the event is overshadowed by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, economic pressures, and shifting international relations, particularly with the United States.

• What: Russia's Victory Day parade commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany is proceeding despite security threats and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
• Who: Key individuals involved include Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, Volodymyr Zelensky, and General Budanov. Organizations include the Russian military, Ukrainian military, and various international political entities.
• When: The Victory Day parade is held annually on May 9th. Recent drone strikes and security concerns have occurred in the days leading up to the event. A proposed ceasefire was suggested for May 8th-11th.
• Where: The main event is in Moscow's Red Square. Drone strikes have affected Moscow airports. Victory Day parades in Crimea have been cancelled.

The Victory Day parade is a crucial event for Putin to project strength and rally support. However, the security threats, potential Ukrainian attacks, and the presence of world leaders amidst the ongoing conflict create a complex and precarious situation. The economic challenges and shifting international relations further complicate the picture, indicating the parade may not achieve its intended effect. The cancellation of parades in Crimea and the increased drone activity near Moscow highlight the vulnerability Russia faces.

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Despite facing security threats and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russia's Victory Day parade proceeds, with Putin seeking to project an image of strength and garner international support. The event, however, highlights Russia's increasing isolation from the West, underscored by the attendance of leaders primarily from autocracies and countries with strained relations with the West. The success of the parade, both in terms of security and its intended message, remains uncertain, particularly as Ukraine ramps up drone strikes on Moscow and cancels key military parades in occupied Crimea. These strikes and cancellations expose Russia's vulnerability and challenge the narrative of invincibility. The presence of foreign leaders, most notably China's Xi Jinping, signals a deepening of ties with countries willing to engage with Russia despite international condemnation, though some analysts suggest this support is more symbolic than heartfelt. Simultaneously, Ukraine commemorates May 8 as the Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism, further distancing itself from Soviet traditions and aligning with a European approach. The contrasting commemorations highlight the ongoing battle over historical memory and the diverging paths of Russia and Ukraine. The security measures, including mobile internet restrictions and a unilateral ceasefire attempt, reflect the heightened tensions and the Kremlin's determination to control the narrative surrounding the event. Ultimately, the Victory Day parade serves as a complex display of power, identity, and Russia's shifting geopolitical alliances in the face of the continuing conflict.