Russia marked the 80th anniversary of its victory over Nazi Germany with a grand military parade on Red Square in Moscow, showcasing its military strength amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The event, held on May 9—Russia’s most important secular holiday—was attended by several foreign leaders, underlining the Kremlin’s efforts to project international influence and defy Western isolation.

Presidents Xi Jinping of China and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, along with Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico and Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić, joined President Vladimir Putin for the commemorations. Vučić’s visit marks his first trip to Russia since the invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, despite EU warnings that such a move could jeopardize Serbia’s EU accession hopes.

In his speech, President Putin praised Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, calling them defenders against Nazism, Russophobia, and antisemitism.

“Russia has been and will be an impassable barrier for Nazism… The truth and fairness are on our side,” he declared, emphasizing national unity and pride in Russia’s “special military operation.”

More than 11,500 troops and 180 military vehicles, including tanks and nuclear-capable missile launchers, took part in the display. The air show featured fighter jets trailing smoke in the colors of the Russian flag.

The celebrations were held under tight security due to recent Ukrainian drone attacks and airport disruptions in Moscow. Internet outages were also reported, likely due to electronic countermeasures.

This year’s Victory Day, while rooted in remembrance of the Soviet Union’s immense sacrifices during World War II, also served as a platform for Putin to solidify domestic support and promote new global alliances amid an increasingly divided international landscape.

Human remains believed to be those of missing South African journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Precious Mdhluli have been discovered in Limpopo province, more than two months after they were last seen.

The bodies were found in a remote bush area and were in an advanced state of decomposition.

While DNA confirmation is still pending, media organisations say forensic teams have already identified the remains. Police have arrested five suspects in connection with the case. Authorities reportedly recovered stolen items, including furniture, appliances, and parts of a vehicle linked to the couple.

Ndlovu, founder of the Pretoria-based Capital Live radio station, had been missing with Mdhluli since 18 February. Their deaths have left the media community reeling.

“I am terribly sad. We held out hope… Our deepest condolences go out to the families,” said Elijah Mhlanga, chairperson of the African Media and Communicators Forum.

The case highlights South Africa’s persistent struggle with violent crime. The country recorded over 26,000 murders in 2024—an average of 72 killings per day.

Port Sudan came under drone attack again on Friday, May 9, the sixth consecutive day of strikes in the coastal city that has become a vital hub for humanitarian aid and a refuge for civilians fleeing Sudan’s two-year war.

The attacks, reportedly carried out by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), targeted key infrastructure including the airport, the port, and public buildings.

Footage online showed thick smoke rising over the city, but no official casualties or damage assessments have been released yet.

The United Nations has expressed grave concern, warning that this latest escalation risks mass civilian casualties and the destruction of essential infrastructure. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, through his spokesperson Farhan Haq, said he is alarmed by the violence spreading into an area that has served as a safe haven for thousands displaced from Khartoum and beyond.

The UN is urging all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and refrain from targeting civilians. With aid routes now threatened, the crisis in Sudan risks deepening even further.