China’s Xi Jinping stood alongside Putin, an indication of his significance in Friday’s parade
Vladimir Putin is leading Russia’s Victory Day commemorations with a parade in Red Square and heightened security after days of Ukrainian strikes targeting the capital.
Addressing Russia’s military, veterans and more than 20 international leaders including China’s Xi Jinping, Putin said Russia remembered the lessons of World War Two.
He used his speech to tie the war to today’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and said all of Russia was behind what he called the “special military operation” – now well into its fourth year.
A unilateral, three-day ceasefire was announced by Russia to coincide with the lavish 80th anniversary event, which Ukraine has rejected as a “theatrical show”.
Ukraine’s military said it had come under thousands of attacks since the ceasefire came into force on 8 May. Russia has insisted the ceasefire is being observed and accused Ukraine of hundreds of violations.
In the days ahead of the proposed truce, Moscow and Kyiv exchanged a barrage of strikes. Breaking
Moscow’s Victory Day parade is under way, after Vladimir Putin gave a speech on the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The Russian president is hosting other world leaders – such as China’s Xi Jinping. Follow the latest below.
China says ceasefire is its ‘top priority’ – and sending weapons ‘will not bring peace’
Speaking at the UN General Assembly, China’s delegate has insisted his country’s position on Ukraine has been “consistent and clear”.
UN member states are currently debating a draft resolution urging Russia to leave Ukraine.
Deputy UN ambassador Dai Bing says the “only way to resolve the Ukraine crisis” is through dialogue – a hint at China’s aims to position itself as a peace broker.
China’s “top priority is to facilitate ceasefire and cessation of hostilities without delay”, he says.
In comments apparently aimed at Russia, he says the “territorial integrity of all countries should be respected” and countries should “avoid attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure”.
However, he says the “legitimate security concerns of all countries should be taken seriously” – a likely hint at China’s support for Moscow.
And he also appears to hit out at the West’s provision of weapons to Ukraine.
He says the “brutal facts offer an ample proof that sending weapons will not bring peace”.
“Adding fuel to the fire will only exacerbate tensions,” he says.
It’s worth noting that both NATO and the US have suggested China could be planning to supply weapons to Russia.
On the subject of nuclear war, Dai Bing says that “all parties should strictly abide by nuclear conventions”.
“Nuclear weapons cannot be used, nuclear war cannot be fought,” he says.
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