Steven Seagal attends Moscow parade amid global leaders
American actor Steven Seagal watched the Victory Day parade up close in Moscow. A video was released online showing him seated in the stands. Seagal has long openly supported Vladimir Putin.
The parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, as Russians call World War II, began on Friday promptly at 3:00 AM Eastern Time. In addition to Putin, other world leaders were also present, such as China's leader Xi Jinping, Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic, Brazil's leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico.
A video appeared on social media showing that Steven Seagal watched the parade from the stands. The American actor has long been an ally of Vladimir Putin, from whom he received a Russian passport in 2016. In 2023, the leader awarded him the highest Russian state honour.
Parade in Moscow
Before the parade began, Vladimir Putin delivered a speech in which he stated that "Russia will not allow the true victors of World War II to be defamed." - We will always remember that opening a second front in Europe after decisive battles on Soviet territory brought victory closer. We greatly value the contribution to our common struggle by soldiers from allied armies, resistance movement participants, and the brave people of China. All those who fought for a peaceful future," Putin said in his 10-minute speech.
A moment later, the parade began in Red Square. This year, not only Russian soldiers participated, but also units from CIS republics and Vietnam, Egypt, China, and Myanmar.
Visible shortages
Despite the grand fanfare promised, the parade was far from the splendour of pre-war times. Missing were representative units of the regular troops, mechanized vehicles appeared in smaller numbers than five years ago, and directors tried to change scenes rapidly and frequently to make the parade seem larger.
