On Friday, Russia commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II with a grand parade in Moscow's Red Square. This event, attended by several world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, underscored the strengthening ties between Russia and China amidst ongoing global tensions, particularly with the United States. The parade took place under heightened security measures following recent Ukrainian drone attacks in Moscow. Thousands of Russian troops participated, accompanied by military units from China and twelve other countries. For Russian President Vladimir Putin, this event was not just a celebration of a historic victory but also an opportunity to demonstrate his global connections despite facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in Ukraine. President Xi's presence was particularly significant as it highlighted the deepening relationship between Russia and China. During his four-day visit, which began shortly after the drone attacks, Xi expressed his commitment to working closely with Russia. He emphasized the special responsibilities both nations hold as major world powers and advocated for a strong alliance, referring to the countries as "friends of steel." In a joint statement, Xi and Putin announced plans to enhance military and other cooperative efforts, pledging to "respond firmly" to what they described as the United States' strategy of "dual containment" against both nations. This visit coincided with efforts by the Trump administration to broker a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the upcoming U.S.-China trade talks. Xi's participation in the parade was part of a broader gathering of world leaders, with 29 expected to attend according to the Kremlin. The presence of the Chinese leader was a factor in the decisions of other diplomats to participate, despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urging leaders to avoid the event to maintain their neutrality in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, however, used the occasion to deliver a message from Zelenskyy to Putin, calling for a sustained ceasefire. Lula clarified that his presence alongside Putin did not signify support for Russian actions, reiterating Brazil’s critical stance on Ukraine’s occupation and the need for peace. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, also in attendance, echoed similar sentiments, affirming a shared viewpoint with both Xi and Putin on the alliance between China and Russia. The atmosphere in Moscow reflected a sense of nationalism, with many donning the orange-and-black ribbon of Saint George, a symbol increasingly associated with Russian militarism since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Streets were adorned with these colors, and billboards connected the World War II victory with Putin's current military operations in Ukraine. May 9 holds substantial significance for Russia and the former Soviet Union, which suffered immense losses during World War II. However, the current conflict in Ukraine cast a shadow over the commemorations, now in the fourth year since it began. Despite its official stance of neutrality, China has continued to support Russia both diplomatically and economically throughout this period. According to Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, the relationship between Russia and China has solidified during the war. Xi’s visit reinforced this alliance, sending a clear message that their partnership is strong and unlikely to fracture. During discussions, Xi expressed his hope for a "fair and durable peace deal" regarding the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the need for a solution accepted by all involved parties. After leaving Russia, Xi planned to address economic concerns with U.S. and Chinese officials meeting in Switzerland to discuss tariffs impacting the global economy. China's agreement to these talks without U.S. concessions suggests that the tariffs are affecting China's economy as intended, according to Craig Singleton from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Beijing's recent economic policy changes, including interest rate cuts and support for struggling sectors, further indicate efforts to mitigate potential political risks stemming from economic challenges. While China stated its openness to discussions, it emphasized that any talks must be grounded in equality and mutual respect. President Trump hinted at the possibility of reducing U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, although immediate changes were deemed unlikely by the Economist Intelligence Unit. The ongoing dialogue between the two nations is expected to be constructive, even if significant tariff reductions are not imminent. This report was compiled with contributions from Keir Simmons and Natasha Lebedeva in Moscow, and Jennifer Jett in Hong Kong. Keir Simmons serves as the chief international correspondent for NBC News, Natasha Lebedeva is NBC's Senior Director for International Affairs,