The 2025 Moscow Victory Day Parade on 9 May featured 13 foreign contingents, including troops from Egypt, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam for the first time. In his address, Putin emphasized Russia's role in defeating Germany and criticized attempts to distort WWII history. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić also attended.
Fico participated in a wreath-laying ceremony outside the Kremlin before the meeting. He has halted Slovakia's military aid to Ukraine, criticized EU sanctions, and vowed to block Ukraine's NATO membership. ' Fico said his objective was to create a relationship of 'normal, friendly cooperation' with Russia.