• Several US veterans will attend Moscow's Victory Day parade, according to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov.
  • The 2025 parade marks the 80th anniversary of Soviet victory in WWII, featuring troops from China, Vietnam and other nations.
  • Event comes as Russia faces international isolation over Ukraine war, making US participation particularly notable.

US Veterans Join Controversial Commemoration

Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed several American veterans will participate in Moscow's May 9 Victory Day celebrations, though he didn't specify their identities or which conflicts they served in. The announcement comes as Russia prepares an elaborate military display on Red Square featuring troops from Vietnam, China, Myanmar, Laos and Kyrgyzstan who have been rehearsing in Moscow.

A full dress rehearsal for the parade is scheduled for May 7, with Moscow already decorated with Soviet-era victory symbols. The event holds deep significance for Russia's historical narrative, though it occurs this year against the backdrop of Western sanctions over Ukraine. Notably, Sevastopol in occupied Crimea has canceled its parade for safety reasons - the third consecutive year it's done so.

Diplomatic Implications

The inclusion of US veterans creates an unusual dynamic given current Russia-West tensions. While Victory Day traditionally draws international participants, American attendance now carries different weight. Kremlin officials have framed the event as countering what they call Western attempts to diminish the Soviet role in defeating Nazi Germany.

"We welcome all who honor the memory of those who fought fascism," said a Russian defense ministry spokesperson when asked about the US veterans' participation. The US State Department didn't immediately respond to requests for comment about whether it was aware of or had approved any American veterans' travel to the event.

Military Display Preparations

Observers expect this year's parade to showcase both modernized Soviet-era equipment and new weapons systems, though likely scaled back from pre-war levels due to equipment losses in Ukraine. Satellite imagery shows increased activity at Moscow's Alabino training ground where parade rehearsals typically occur.

Meanwhile, the "Immortal Regiment" marches - where participants carry portraits of WWII veterans - are planned worldwide. Russian state media promotes these as grassroots events, though Western analysts view them as Kremlin-organized soft power initiatives.

Correction: An earlier version misstated the parade date; it occurs May 9, not May 7.