Russia Marks 81 Years Since Victory in World War II Amid International Tensions

Russia marks 81 years since victory in World War II

On May 9, 2026, Russia marked the 81st anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany. A major military parade was held in Red Square in Moscow, in which President Vladimir Putin participated. According to Sputnik Türkiye, the parade included an aerial display that concluded with Su-25 aircraft painting the Russian flag in the capital's sky. Putin defined the day as a "sacred holiday" and emphasized that preserving the memory of the war is a "matter of honor" for the Russian people.

During the day's events, President Putin held a series of diplomatic meetings with leaders from various countries, including the presidents of Laos, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia, and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. In a conversation with journalists, according to reports by Sputnik Türkiye, Putin claimed that the conflict in Ukraine is "moving towards an end" and sharply criticized Western policy, while accusing European politicians of attempting to "rewrite history."

The events were not limited to Russia alone. The Russian Embassy in Ankara reported on the holding of the "Immortal Regiment" march in the Turkish capital, with the participation of hundreds of people, and a festive reception attended by representatives of other countries. Similar events, organized by Russian communities and official institutions, were reported in the cities of Antalya and Alanya, and in other cities around the world, including a festive concert in Vienna, as noted in Sputnik Türkiye.

The reports coming from Sputnik Türkiye and the Consulate General of Russia in Istanbul reflect an official position that emphasizes national unity and the contribution of all peoples of the former Soviet Union to the shared victory. All these channels are identified with the Russian government narrative, which emphasizes the importance of historical memory as a political and strategic tool in the present.