George Galloway, the leader of the Workers Party of Britain and a former MP, made a notable appearance at Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9, 2025, an event commemorating the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany. Attending alongside his wife, Putri Gayatri Pertiwi, who is notably 30 years younger, Galloway shared images from Red Square on social media. He described the event as “moving, emotional, inspiring, [and] humbling,” capturing the spirit of festivities that featured an impressive display of military might, including over 180 military vehicles and more than 11,500 troops parading through the city.

The necessity of Victory Day as a cornerstone of national pride in Russia cannot be understated. The day holds particular significance, marking the sacrifices made during World War II, where the Soviet Union lost an estimated 27 million people—a historical tragedy that remains central to Russia’s national consciousness. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has intensified Moscow’s efforts to project power and foster alliances, as underscored by the attendance of world leaders like China’s President Xi Jinping.

Galloway’s trip to Moscow comes in the wake of his controversial acceptance of an award in Tehran, named after Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in an Israeli strike in 2024. In receiving the Martyr Ismail Haniyeh award at a media festival, Galloway expressed his admiration for Haniyeh, asserting that he held the deceased leader’s personal Palestinian passport as one of his prized possessions. He praised Iran’s support for Palestine, stating, “When Palestine is finally free, Iran will be able to take its place in the panoply of heroes who made it possible.”

The context of Galloway’s visit to Iran is also critical; it emerged amidst soaring tensions between London and Tehran, particularly following the arrest of Iranian nationals suspected of plotting an attack on Israel’s embassy in London. Such geopolitical dynamics not only highlight Galloway’s polarising views but also underscore the strained relations within the region and across international lines.

Global reactions to Galloway’s public appearances reveal his alignments and the ideological rifts that characterise contemporary politics. The timing of his visit to Russia, coinciding with UK opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer’s diplomatic visit to Ukraine alongside leaders from France, Germany, and Poland, further illustrates the contrasting stances within the same political spectrum. While Starmer’s delegation emphasized solidarity with Ukraine, Galloway’s attendance at the Moscow parade indicates a stark divergence in approaches to issues surrounding conflict and diplomacy.

In this period of global unrest, marked by the lingering shadows of past conflicts and persistent tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, Galloway’s presence at such events undoubtedly serves as a flashpoint for debate regarding the morality and implications of political alliances. His actions invite scrutiny of how such recognitions are perceived within wider international contexts, as countries like Russia and Iran position themselves against Western hegemony, weaving complex narratives of resistance into their national discourses.

Reflecting on the multifaceted nature of Galloway’s political engagement, it is evident that his affiliations and the events he chooses to partake in evoke strong sentiments and prompt conversations about state power, the ongoing struggles for Palestinian rights, and the geopolitical landscape in which these issues play out. As Victory Day echoed with displays of military prowess in Moscow, it simultaneously reignited discussions on the toll of warfare, national identity, and the contentious paths toward peace and recognition as perceived by various global players.

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Source: Noah Wire Services