Vladimir Putin led Russia’s Victory Day parade in Moscow under tight security, using the event to justify the ongoing war in Ukraine as a continuation of WWII’s fight against Nazism.

Despite announcing a three-day ceasefire, Ukraine reported thousands of Russian attacks and dismissed the truce as a “theatrical show.”

China’s Xi Jinping was the guest of honor among 20+ world leaders, signaling strong Russia-China ties.

Ukraine’s President Zelensky called for a genuine, longer ceasefire, while warning foreign leaders of security risks, the BBC has reported.

Fighting continued despite Moscow claiming it had halted operations unless provoked.

Written by B.C. Begley