Moscow is rolling out the red carpet for leaders from the Asia-Pacific region, inviting them to join the grand commemoration of the 80th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War. The event, steeped in historical gravitas, is more than a ceremonial nod to the past—it’s a stage for modern diplomacy, where the echoes of history meet the pulse of contemporary geopolitics.
According to Lyudmila Vorobyova, director of the Third Asian Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, the political dialogue with Asia-Pacific nations is not just alive—it’s thriving. This year, she notes, promises to be a whirlwind of diplomatic activity, with Moscow at the center of the storm. The invitation list reads like a who’s who of regional power players, though the Kremlin has yet to drop all the names.
Meanwhile, the diplomatic chessboard is buzzing with other moves. Russian President Vladimir Putin, alongside his counterparts from Belarus, Tajikistan, and Azerbaijan, is expected to take center stage. The gathering is less about nostalgia and more about weaving a tapestry of alliances, where every handshake and toast carries the weight of strategic intent.
This year isn’t just about commemorating history—it’s about shaping the future. The Asia-Pacific region, with its economic dynamism and geopolitical clout, is a key piece in Russia’s diplomatic puzzle. Vorobyova’s remarks underscore a broader trend: Moscow is doubling down on its pivot to the East, a move that’s as much about necessity as it is about strategy.
As the world watches, Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations are set to be more than a tribute to the past—they’re a statement of intent, a reminder that history, when wielded wisely, can be a powerful tool in the art of statecraft.
