Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva arrived in Moscow for the 80th Victory Day celebrations, marking the end of World War II. Their visit coincides with heightened tensions as Russia and Ukraine exchange fire, casting a shadow over the commemorative events.
By Our Correspondent
Victory Day Amidst Conflict
New Delhi: On May 8, 2025, Xi Jinping and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva joined Russia’s Victory Day events in Moscow, commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end. However, the celebrations were marred by ongoing hostilities, with Ukraine reporting Russian ballistic strikes and over 140 drones attacking its cities overnight, causing casualties in Kharkiv, Sumy, and Kyiv.
Ukraine’s Retaliation and Ceasefire Proposals
Ukraine responded by targeting Moscow with drones, nine of which were downed, per Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. Amid the violence, Ukraine’s President Zelensky proposed a 30-day ceasefire for diplomacy, rejecting Russia’s three-day truce set to begin May 8. Zelensky stated on X that Russia’s continued attacks reveal its role as the aggressor, ignoring diplomatic solutions.
Bilateral Talks and Regional Tensions
Xi is set to hold talks with Putin on Thursday, focusing on the Ukraine war and Russia-US ties, according to Kremlin official Yuri Ushakov. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi declined to attend the parade, citing escalating tensions with Pakistan following India’s Operation Sindoor, which neutralized Pakistani drones and missiles targeting 15 Indian cities.