Steven Seagal joins world leaders at Moscow victory parade
American actor Steven Seagal attended the Victory Day parade in Moscow, watching from the stands. A video shared online shows him seated among the spectators. Seagal has long been an open supporter of Vladimir Putin.
The parade marked the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, as World War II is referred to in Russia. It began on Friday at 3 AM Eastern Time. In addition to Putin, leaders from several other countries were present, including China's leader Xi Jinping, Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico.
A video circulating on social media reveals that Steven Seagal watched the parade from the stands. The actor has been a longtime ally of Vladimir Putin, having received a Russian passport from him in 2016. In 2023, Putin awarded him the highest Russian state honor.
Parade in Moscow
Before the parade began, Vladimir Putin delivered a speech in which he declared, "Russia will not allow the true victors of World War II to be defamed." He added, "We will always remember that opening a second front in Europe after decisive battles on Soviet territory brought victory closer. We greatly value the contributions to our common struggle of soldiers from allied armies, resistance movement participants, and the brave people of China. All those who fought for a peaceful future," Putin stated in his 10-minute address.
Soon after, the parade commenced in Red Square. This year, participants included not only Russian soldiers but also units from CIS republics along with Vietnam, Egypt, China, and Myanmar.
Visible shortages
Despite the promised grandeur, the parade was less impressive than those in pre-war years. Absent were representative units of the regular troops, and fewer mechanized vehicles appeared compared to five years ago. Directors attempted to alter scenes swiftly and frequently to give the parade an appearance of greater scale.
