As Russia marks the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany, President Putin hosts a lavish Victory Day parade in Moscow, welcoming world leaders such as Xi Jinping and others amidst tight security. The event, however, casts a shadow over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with heightened military displays being interpreted as signs of weakness rather than strength. Drone threats loom over the celebrations, and concerns regarding internet blackouts during the commemorations have been raised. The parade is viewed as an attempt by Putin to rally domestic support and frame the ongoing war as a continuation of historical struggles, even as the actual impact of the war diminishes the grandeur of past parades. The global community reflects on the significance of this anniversary while grappling with the complexities of the current geopolitical landscape.