Vietnam Honored: 86 military personnel to join Red Square Parade

Minister of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang has sent a letter to officers and soldiers of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) delegation currently training in Moscow, expressing his pride and encouragement ahead of their participation in a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Great Patriotic War (May 9, 1945 – May 9, 2025).

The Vietnamese contingent, consisting of 86 military personnel, was selected based on their exemplary qualities, discipline, and physical fitness. They represent the Ministry of National Defence and come from the Army Officer Training School No. 1 as well as other military units. 

In his letter, General Phan Van Giang noted that the invitation was extended by Russia’s Defence Minister and was approved by the Politburo, the Secretariat, and the Ministry of National Defence. 

He described the event as an opportunity to honor the enormous sacrifices made by Soviet soldiers and Allied forces in the Great Patriotic War—including Vietnamese revolutionaries—and to reaffirm Vietnam’s commitment to its comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia. 

“This is an occasion for us to pay tribute to the contributions and sacrifices made in the Great Patriotic War and to reaffirm our Party and State’s foreign policy and the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia,” General Phan Van Giang wrote.

Despite a tight timeline and differences in pace and style of training, the Vietnamese soldiers have demonstrated high determination and unity. General Phan Van Giang praised their swift adaptation to the cold weather, organizing safe deployment to Russia, and committing themselves to intense rehearsals.

On behalf of the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang commended the troops for their unwavering determination and discipline. 

“Let your will and determination be reflected in every synchronized, powerful, and dignified step on Moscow’s Red Square. Your presence will illuminate the image of Vietnam, its people, and the strength of the Vietnam People’s Army,” General Phan Van Giang wrote.

The VPA delegation arrived in Russia on April 24 (Moscow time) and began training the following day. Training has been conducted under harsh conditions, with temperatures dropping as low as 2°C, accompanied by snowfall.

On April 27, the delegation joined multinational rehearsals at Alabino training ground, just outside Moscow. Their first full rehearsal on Red Square occurred during the night of April 29 (Moscow time), despite cold rain.