On May 9th, the streets of Moscow were filled with thousands of people celebrating the 77th anniversary of Victory Day. The military parade was attended by several state leaders, including Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. He was one of the few heads of state to show diplomatic support to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has been facing growing international isolation due to his aggression against Ukraine. 

Along with Pashinyan, the event was also attended by the leaders of Central Asian states and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. 

Speaking at the Victory Parade in the presence of leaders of post-Soviet countries, Putin was not stingy with his accusations against the West and Ukraine. 

"Today civilization is once again at a decisive, critical juncture, a real war has once again been unleashed against our homeland. But we have repulsed international terrorism, we will protect the residents of Donbass, we will ensure our security," the Russian president said.

Putin called the authorities of Ukraine, which Russian troops invaded on his order last February, a "criminal regime," and accused the West, which supports Ukraine, of provoking conflicts. Last year, Putin devoted almost his entire speech to the war with the neighboring country.

Notably, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, who has been maintaining balanced relations with Russia, ignored the invitation to attend the Moscow parade. According to official sources, Aliyev is taking part in events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of his father, former President of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev.