Victory Day

China Tries to Sell Vladimir Putin’s Snoozefest Speech as ‘Calm, Restrained’

China’s state-run Global Times salivated over Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s Victory Day address on Monday, praising Putin’s “calm, restrained” demeanor as a firm rebuke to Western pressure against his invasion of Ukraine – but also sensing that Putin was “leaving some room for negotiation” by delivering a somnolent speech when something more fiery had been anticipated.

Russian President Vladimir Putin gives a speech during the Victory Day military parade at

WWII Allies Missing from Russia’s Victory Day Extravaganza

There was a significant absence in Moscow on May 9. Even though it was the 70th anniversary of the official end of the European front of World War II, the leaders of the victorious allied powers decided not to attend the Victory Day parade due to increasing tensions with Russia over Ukraine.

Host photo agency / RIA Novosti via Getty Images/AFP

Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping Sign Economic and Agricultural Agreements

It is Victory Day in Europe and Russia, but Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Chinese President Xi Jinping instead of celebrating with his World War II allies. The talks include agreements on the economy and energy as Russia continues to suffer under sanctions for the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

AFP Photo