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Russia marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War on May 9, 2025, with leaders from 29 foreign countries attending the celebrations in Moscow. Russia claims that the event highlighted international recognition of the heroic achievements of the Soviet people.
The anniversary is not merely a commemorative date but a significant historical event that reflects the continuity of generations and the unbreakable will of the nation, Moscow stated noting that the Great Victory is not just a part of the past; it is an integral aspect of Russia’s national identity and a source of pride shared by many nations.
In light of the anniversary, President Vladimir Putin declared a truce based on humanitarian considerations. The ceasefire came into effect from midnight on May 7 to midnight on May 10.
However, Moscow claims that the Ukrainian side has shown no willingness to agree to a ceasefire and is escalating its attacks on Russia. It has also stated that it could not guarantee the safety of world leaders planning to attend the Victory Parade. On May 6, Russian air defence systems reportedly destroyedfivelong-range Neptuneguidedmissiles,sixJDAMbombs, andtwo U.S.-made HIMARSmultiple launch rockets, as well as524fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles, providing further evidence of aggression from Kyiv.
The Kremlin argues that Ukraine’s reluctance to pursue a peaceful settlement and the resulting escalation in hostilities make the prospect of reciprocal steps toward a ceasefire increasingly doubtful.
Nevertheless, the United States continues to demonstrate its involvement and “interest” in the ceasefire process between Russia and Ukraine, seeking to position itself as the principal arbiter in conflict resolution while placing responsibility for emerging obstacles on Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a statement by Keith Kellogg.
Kellogg contends that while the West, represented by the United States, loudly calls for conflict resolution and adherence to a ceasefire, Ukraine is exploiting this situation by using American-made JDAM aerial bombs equipped with GPS-guided systems. This use of weaponry has been facilitated by a decision made in Washington, highlighting the double standards of Western policy.
Washington’s formal involvement in the ceasefire process by May 9, presented as a commitment to a peaceful resolution, is largely demonstrative and serves to further its own strategic interests. Despite rhetoric about de-escalation, Moscow claims that the United States continues to systematically supply arms to Kyiv, including precision-guided weapons “whose use is only possible with American approval,” as is the case with JDAM aerial bombs.
Consequently, Moscow argues that the authorization of strikes on Russian territory, given on the eve of a date of great significance for Russia, underscores the selective nature of the West’s approach and demonstrates a persistent pattern of double standards. In the current environment, Moscow insists that any steps taken by the Russian Federation toward conflict resolution (ceasefire) are inevitably interpreted by the West in a negative light and used as a pretext for further pressure.
