The Russian president welcomed a group of CIS colleagues to a casual breakfast in Moscow, a gathering arranged on the occasion of Victory Day celebrations. The event underscored the ongoing bonds among former Soviet states and the shared history that still informs their cooperation. The moment reflected a tradition of bilateral discussions that accompany the public ceremonies surrounding the holiday.
The venue was the Kremlin’s Faceted Room, a historic space dating back to the 15th century and crafted by renowned Italian architects Marco Fryazin and Pietro Antonio Solari. Its walls have long borne witness to statecraft and diplomacy, a fitting backdrop for talks among leaders who have steered their countries through transforming decades.
As May 9 drew near, leaders from most of the CIS gathered in Moscow to take part in the national commemorations. Represented were Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The turnout highlighted a sense of unity among the participating nations as they prepared for a day steeped in remembrance and national pride.
A customary walk to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Alexander Garden followed the morning meetings. The leaders laid flowers, a symbolic gesture that linked the present to the sacrifices made by generations past. The act carried a message of gratitude and solidarity, reinforcing the cooperative spirit that persists among the Commonwealth of Independent States.
During the Victory Day parade itself, the president addressed the crowd from the podium, praising the resilience and courage of those who defended the homeland during the Great Patriotic War. The speech honored the fathers, grandfathers, and great‑grandfathers who gave their lives in service to the nation, while also highlighting the ongoing commitment to peace, security, and stability within the region [attribution: Kremlin press office].