Vietnam's Party General Secretary To Lam (second from left) and his spouse attend the military parade on Moscow’s Red Square on May 9, 2025. (Photo:nhandan.vn)

Mr. Lam was among 29 heads of state and government leaders invited to this significant event.

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov presided over the parade, which opened with the display of the victory banner — a replica of the flag raised over the German Reichstag on April 30, 1945 — alongside the appearance of the Russian national flag.

Addressing the event, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that World War II affected 80% of the world’s population, adding that the coordinated efforts of progressive forces resulted in the defeat of fascism.

"We honor soldiers of the Allies and the patriotic and brave veterans of the Great Patriotic War,” he said.

After the opening salvo, over 12,000 soldiers marched through Red Square in a display of military strength and pride. Thirteen foreign delegations joined the parade. 

For the first time, the Vietnam People’s Army has sent a delegation of 86 officers and soldiers to participate in such a military parade.

Following the parade, President Putin, Party Leader To Lam and other foreign leaders participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Aleksandrovsky Garden by the Kremlin Wall.