In a display that mixed military might with celebrity presence, Russian President Vladimir Putin led the Victory Day Parade in Moscow’s Red Square, commemorating 80 years since the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.
Among the most unexpected faces in the stands: Hollywood action star Steven Seagal, Oscar-winning filmmaker Oliver Stone, and Serbian director Emir Kusturica. The trio joined leaders from over 30 countries—including China, Brazil, Egypt, Venezuela, and Vietnam—as well as members of the Russian government, Orthodox clergy, and representatives from the country’s Muslim communities.
Steven Seagal, who received Russian citizenship in 2016, is a longtime admirer of Putin. Known for films like Under Siege, the actor has gone so far as to say, “I would die for Putin.” He’s become a familiar face at pro-Kremlin events.
Oliver Stone, best known for his political documentaries and films like Platoon and JFK, previously interviewed Putin in the acclaimed docuseries The Putin Interviews (2017). Ahead of the event, Stone shared his reason for attending: “World War II was a great war for the United States—but it was won by the Russians.”
Emir Kusturica, an outspoken supporter of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, backed the 2014 annexation of Crimea and recently declared, “I support Putin because it’s the logical choice. Zelensky is a bad actor and a bad president.”
The parade featured over 10,000 Russian troops, military personnel from 13 other nations, and a Chinese honor guard—making it one of the largest and most politically charged Victory Day events in years.
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