Russia Victory Day
The leaders of Cuba, Mongolia and Venezuela arrived in Moscow Wednesday ahead of attending Russia's Victory Day celebrations.
Victory Day, which is celebrated in Russia on May 9, has become the country’s most important secular holiday.
A massive parade through Red Square and other ceremonies underline Moscow’s efforts to project its power and cement the alliances it has forged while seeking a counterbalance to the West amid the conflict in Ukraine.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel are on the guest list which also includes Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The lineup of leaders coming to Moscow contrasts sharply to some past celebrations that drew top Western leaders at a time of friendlier ties between Russia and the West.
01:29
Kyiv residents share mixed views on first direct Russia-Ukraine peace talks
Go to video
"Russia doesn't want a ceasefire", says French president Macron
Go to video
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrives in Turkey for talks
Go to video
Zelenskyy dares Putin to direct talks in Turkey
01:31
Putin proposes peace talks amid skepticism
00:35
WWII’s All Black Women’s Unit finally Recognised