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The Latest: Russia-West rift at forefront of celebrations for victory over Nazis

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The Latest: Russia-West rift at forefront of celebrations for victory over Nazis
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The Latest: Russia-West rift at forefront of celebrations for victory over Nazis

2025-05-10 04:30 Last Updated At:04:40

In contrast to Russia’s celebrations marking 80 years since the surrender of the Nazis, European leaders agreed to set up a tribunal to try Russian leaders for Moscow’s war on Ukraine.

The rift between Western European powers and Russia — erstwhile allies who defeated Nazi Europe — was laid even more bare Friday as the European Union pledged another 2 billion euros to help Ukraine arm, this time with money raised from Russia’s own frozen assets.

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Russian servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Pelagia Tikhonova/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Pelagia Tikhonova/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Mongolia's servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Ilya Pitalev/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Mongolia's servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Ilya Pitalev/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian servicemen take part in the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Maxim Bogovid/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian servicemen take part in the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Maxim Bogovid/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Uzbekistan's servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Maxim Bogodvid/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Uzbekistan's servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Maxim Bogodvid/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Myanmar's servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Maxim Bogodvid/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Myanmar's servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Maxim Bogodvid/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Alexander Wilf/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Alexander Wilf/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Kyrgyzstan's servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Maxim Bogodvid/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Kyrgyzstan's servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Maxim Bogodvid/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian military troops attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Maxim Bogodvid/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian military troops attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Maxim Bogodvid/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Ramil Sitdikov/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Ramil Sitdikov/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Vietnamese servicemen march during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Ilya Pitalev/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Vietnamese servicemen march during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Ilya Pitalev/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian servicemen march during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Vladimir Astapkovich/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian servicemen march during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Vladimir Astapkovich/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov is driven along Red Square in an Aurus car during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Vladimir Astapkovich/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov is driven along Red Square in an Aurus car during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Vladimir Astapkovich/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

From second right: Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedow, Tajikistan's President Emomali Rakhmon, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinpin watch the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Sergei Bobylev/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

From second right: Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedow, Tajikistan's President Emomali Rakhmon, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinpin watch the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Sergei Bobylev/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Ilya Pitalev/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Ilya Pitalev/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov is driven along Red Square in an Aurus car during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Alexander Wilf/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov is driven along Red Square in an Aurus car during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Alexander Wilf/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Chinese servicemen hold their national flag as they attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Pelagia Tikhonova/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Chinese servicemen hold their national flag as they attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Pelagia Tikhonova/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Ilya Pitalev/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Ilya Pitalev/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian servicemen take part in the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Alexander Wilf/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian servicemen take part in the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Alexander Wilf/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Chinese President Xi Jinpin watch the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Mikhail Korytov/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Chinese President Xi Jinpin watch the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Mikhail Korytov/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin, centre right, and Chinese President Xi Jinpin, centre, watch the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Mikhail Korytov/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin, centre right, and Chinese President Xi Jinpin, centre, watch the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Mikhail Korytov/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted the leaders of China, Brazil and many others for a massive parade meant to project Russian power.

While Britain, France and the U.S. held ceremonies Thursday, EU foreign ministers opted to meet in Lviv in support of Ukraine. European leaders will do the same as they gather in Oslo.

Here is the latest.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Friday with Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has openly challenged the European Union’s policies over Ukraine.

Baltic countries Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which border Russia, announced plans earlier this week to close their airspace to the planes carrying Serbia’s and Slovakia’s leaders to Moscow out of safety concerns.

Putin thanked Fico for the visit and mentioned “logistical challenges.”

“I think that those who tried to prevent you from coming have once again realized that it is better not to do so," Putin said. “You achieve your goals anyway.”

The Russian leader promised to work towards restoring bilateral ties with EU and NATO member Slovakia. Those ties, he said, had been “effectively frozen” by the previous Slovak government, “which clearly followed the collective line of the West.”

Putin held more bilateral meetings with foreign leaders at the Kremlin on Friday.

After holding talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the Russian leader also sat down with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, and then Serbia President Aleksandar Vucic.

Putin said that the Kremlin appreciated that Vucic came to Russia despite the pressure. Vucic had previously said that he wouldn’t cancel the trip even amid European Union pressure that visiting Moscow could derail Serbia’s ambitions to join the bloc, and earlier this week Baltic countries Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which border Russia, announced plans to close their airspace to the planes carrying Serbia’s and Slovakia’s leaders to Moscow out of safety concerns.

“I know that they tried to dissuade you, certain logistical problems were created, but nevertheless, you are here with us, and we highly appreciate it,” Putin said.

The two discussed Russian gas supplies to Serbia, among other things.

France and Poland have signed a new treaty that includes mutual security guarantees in case the two EU countries are attacked.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and French president Emmanuel Macron met in the eastern French city of Nancy Friday to finalize the deal they said will help reinforce peace and security in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Macron said the deal only “strengthens and operationalizes” an existing link and won’t replace either NATO or the European Union.

Tusk said Poland will remain committed to NATO as the country spends almost 5% of its GDP on defense.

Macron said that under the treaty, France could intervene quickly in Poland and hinted that it could receive protection under France’s nuclear weapons deterrent.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says Moscow “will not be reacting” to the announcement that a special tribunal to prosecute Russian officials accused of war crimes will be created.

Earlier on Friday, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry said that a special tribunal to prosecute Russian war crimes in Ukraine will be formally set up at a Council of Europe Committee of Ministers meeting later this month.

In a joint statement with foreign ministers from some 40 countries, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said technical legal work needed to establish the tribunal is now completed. The Committee of Ministers meeting will be held in Luxembourg on May 13-14.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has hosted foreign leaders at a reception in the Kremlin as part of celebrations to showcase Russia’s global clout and the West’s failure to isolate Moscow.

The Russian leader on Friday raised a toast “to the glorious generation of victors, to the triumph of truth and justice, to the prosperity of our countries and peoples.”

He later sat down with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to discuss bilateral ties. More meetings with foreign leaders were planned for Friday, the Kremlin said earlier this week.

Putin’s foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov told Russia’s state-funded Channel One TV station that the Russian leader also exchanged “congratulations on the occasion of our common holiday” and “warm words” with U.S. President Donald Trump through their aides.

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry says a special tribunal to prosecute Russian war crimes in Ukraine will be formally set up at a Council of Europe Committee of Ministers meeting later this month.

In a joint statement with foreign ministers from some 40 countries, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said Friday technical legal work necessary to establish the tribunal is now completed. The Commitee of Ministers meeting will be held in Luxembourg on May 13-14.

The tribunal will focus on prosecuting Russian leaders most responsible for the full-scale invasion of Ukraine that began in 2022.

Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal says the European Union will allocate almost 1.9 billion euros for military support to his country.

Shmyhal posted on his Telegram page Friday that a billion euros from this amount will go toward the purchase of weapons directly from Ukrainian manufacturers.

Some 600 million euros will go toward procuring artillery and ammunition and another 200 million will be used to bolster Ukraine’s air defences..

Shmyhal said he’s particularly grateful to Denmark, France, the Netherlands and Italy which will help in the 1 billion euro purchase of weapons.

The Ukrainian official called the military support package “historic” because weapons will be purchased using proceeds from Russian frozen assets through the European Peace Fund.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine because he escaped punishment for previous wars he had waged.

He said “Russia must be held accountable for its aggression just as the Nazis were,” urging for full EU support for the creation of a tribunal to prosecute Russian crimes.

The Ukrainian president also indicated that Europe is preparing another 1 billion euro ($1.12 billion) military aid package for his country, bringing the total of new EU support funds to 4 billion euros ($4.5 billion).

Standing alongside top Ukrainian government officials in Lviv, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas paid respects to the victims of the war in Ukraine at a cemetery there.

Kallas said she “couldn't understand” how other leaders could stand with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow for Friday's celebrations in the Russian capital.

Kallas and dozens of European officials gathered in Lviv to endorse the creation of a special tribunal tasked to prosecute crimes of aggression by top Russian officials in the war on Ukraine.

Kallas said the court’s launch will mean that “nobody can be left unpunished for the crimes committed," including leaders who decided to send soldiers into Ukraine.

She urged other countries to back the tribunal, warning that such crimes could be repeated without accountability.

Estonia's Narva Museum has hung a banner of a composite portrait of Vladimir Putin and Adolf Hitler as the Russian president hosts celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.

The banner hung from the museum's castle wall read 'Putler War Criminal' and is visible from the Russian side of the Narva River, according to the museum's Facebook post.

Estonia has refused to allow use of its airspace for any flights to and from Moscow for the Russian celebrations, according to the Baltic News Service.

Several European leaders said they had a good conversation with Trump Thursday shortly before he posted on his Truth Social platform to say that the U.S. calls for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine.

Trump said if the ceasefire is not respected “the U.S. and its partners will impose further sanctions” on Russia.

Nordic and Baltic leaders gathering ahead of a security meeting in Oslo, Norway, called Trump up Thursday and “put the phone on the table” to speak to him, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb said the call lasted around 20 minutes while Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal described it as “excellent,” adding that Trump’s position has “gone toward working with European partners.”

Top U.S. officials previously indicated Europe would be cut out of discussions with the U.S. on Ukraine and threatened to walk away from involvement in negotiations unless a deal is done.

France's foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, says European allies have agreed on another package of sanctions against Russia. Barrot did not elaborate on the details of the package, saying it will be adopted “in the coming days.”

He spoke from Lviv, Ukraine, where dozens of European officials are meeting to endorse the creation of a special tribunal tasked to prosecute crimes of aggression by top Russian officials in the war on Ukraine.

“I’m sure that this tribunal will allow for the fight against impunity against all war crimes that have been committed during this war of aggression of Russia against Ukraine,” Barrot said. “There is no peace without justice, and there is no justice without the truth.”

Barrot added that French president Emmanuel Macron spoke on Thursday with U.S. President Donald Trump and told him that it’s time to force Russia's Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, saying “we are proud of their courage and determination, their spiritual force that always has brought us victory."

Putin was speaking during Friday's military parade. The Russian leader declared a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire starting Wednesday to coincide with the Victory Day celebrations, but warned that Russian troops will retaliate to any attacks.

Moscow has been reluctant to accept a U.S.-proposed 30-day truce that Ukraine has accepted, linking it to a halt in Western arms supplies to Ukraine and Kyiv’s mobilization effort, conditions Ukraine and its Western allies have rejected.

Ukrainian authorities reported scores of Russian strikes on Friday that killed at least two people in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions and damaged buildings.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he had a “good conversation” with Donald Trump, during which the two marked Victory Day and discussed the path toward peace in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy said Friday he briefed Trump on the battlefield situation and reiterated that Ukraine is ready for a 30-day ceasefire “starting even today,” urging Russia to support the proposal.

He emphasized Ukraine’s willingness to engage in talks “in any format” but said Russia must prove its commitment by declaring a full, unconditional ceasefire.

Zelenskyy added that Trump confirmed his desire to help end the war and supported the idea of a ceasefire, with both agreeing to remain in contact.

Russia began a vast military parade in Moscow's Red Square to mark the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.

President Vladimir Putin and a host of foreign leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, attended the parade.

A massive parade through Red Square and other ceremonies underline Moscow’s efforts to project its power and cement the alliances it has forged while seeking a counterbalance to the West amid the 3-year-old war in Ukraine.

Festivities this year were overshadowed by reports of Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Moscow and severe disruptions at the capital’s airports, as well as cellphone internet outages on Wednesday.

Victory Day, which celebrates the surrender of Nazi Germany that ended World War II, is Russia's most important secular holiday.

While most Western countries celebrate the anniversary on May 8, Russia celebrates it on May 9.

Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, supreme commander of the Allied forces in Europe, actually accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany at 2:41 a.m. local time on May 7, in a ceremony at Reims, France. Although the news leaked out by that evening, the official announcement was delayed until the following day as the U.S., Britain and France tried to work out differences with the Soviet Union, which felt the surrender didn’t recognize the sacrifices its troops had made in securing victory.

A second surrender document was signed around midnight on May 8 in Berlin, satisfying Soviet concerns.

Russian servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Pelagia Tikhonova/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Pelagia Tikhonova/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Mongolia's servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Ilya Pitalev/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Mongolia's servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Ilya Pitalev/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian servicemen take part in the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Maxim Bogovid/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian servicemen take part in the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Maxim Bogovid/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Uzbekistan's servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Maxim Bogodvid/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Uzbekistan's servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Maxim Bogodvid/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Myanmar's servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Maxim Bogodvid/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Myanmar's servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Maxim Bogodvid/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Alexander Wilf/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Alexander Wilf/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Kyrgyzstan's servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Maxim Bogodvid/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Kyrgyzstan's servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Maxim Bogodvid/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian military troops attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Maxim Bogodvid/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian military troops attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Maxim Bogodvid/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Ramil Sitdikov/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian servicemen attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Ramil Sitdikov/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Vietnamese servicemen march during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Ilya Pitalev/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Vietnamese servicemen march during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Ilya Pitalev/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian servicemen march during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Vladimir Astapkovich/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian servicemen march during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Vladimir Astapkovich/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov is driven along Red Square in an Aurus car during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Vladimir Astapkovich/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov is driven along Red Square in an Aurus car during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Vladimir Astapkovich/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

From second right: Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedow, Tajikistan's President Emomali Rakhmon, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinpin watch the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Sergei Bobylev/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

From second right: Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedow, Tajikistan's President Emomali Rakhmon, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinpin watch the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Sergei Bobylev/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Ilya Pitalev/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Ilya Pitalev/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov is driven along Red Square in an Aurus car during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Alexander Wilf/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov is driven along Red Square in an Aurus car during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Alexander Wilf/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Chinese servicemen hold their national flag as they attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Pelagia Tikhonova/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Chinese servicemen hold their national flag as they attend the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Pelagia Tikhonova/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Ilya Pitalev/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Ilya Pitalev/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian servicemen take part in the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Alexander Wilf/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian servicemen take part in the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Alexander Wilf/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Chinese President Xi Jinpin watch the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Mikhail Korytov/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Chinese President Xi Jinpin watch the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Mikhail Korytov/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin, centre right, and Chinese President Xi Jinpin, centre, watch the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Mikhail Korytov/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin, centre right, and Chinese President Xi Jinpin, centre, watch the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Mikhail Korytov/Photo host agency RIA Novosti via AP)

The Golden Globes bill themselves as Hollywood’s booziest bash. This year, is anyone ready to party?

Political tension and industrywide uncertainty are the prevailing moods heading into Sunday night's 83rd Golden Globes. Hollywood is coming off a disappointing box-office year and now anxiously awaits the fate of one of its most storied studios, Warner Bros.

A celebratory mood might be even more elusive given that the wide majority of the performers and filmmakers congregating at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, oppose the policies of President Donald Trump. Likely to be on the minds of many attendees: the recent U.S. involvement in Venezuela and the fatal shooting of 37-year-old mother Renee Good in Minneapolis by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

But through their ups and downs, the Globes have always tried to put pomp over politics. Host Nikki Glaser has vowed as much.

“You’d be surprised that half the room had no clue why I was saying ‘Venezuela,’” Glaser told The Associated Press earlier in the week, referring to her comedy-club warm-ups. “People aren’t getting the news like we all are.”

Glaser, a comic known for her roast appearances, has promised to go after A-listers in her second time hosting.

“We’re going to hit Leo,” Glaser said. “The icebergs are coming.”

Here’s what to look for at this year’s Globes:

The Golden Globes kick off at 8 p.m. EST on CBS while streaming live for Paramount+ premium subscribers. E!’s red carpet coverage begins at 6 p.m. EST.

The Associated Press will be have a livestream show beginning at 4:30 p.m. Eastern with a mix of stars' arrivals, fashion shots and celebrity interviews. It will be available on YouTube and APNews.

The overwhelming Oscar favorite “One Battle After Another” comes in with a leading nine nominations. It’s competing in the Globes’ musical or comedy category, which means the drama side might be more competitive. There, Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet” and Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value” are all in the mix.

But thus far, “One Battle After Another” has cleaned up just about everywhere. Much of Paul Thomas Anderson’s cast is nominated, including DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Sean Penn, Chase Infiniti and Benicio Del Toro.

If it and “Sinners” take home the two biggest prizes, it will be a banner night for Warner Bros. even as its future hangs in the balance. The studio has agreed to be acquired by Netflix is a deal worth $82.7 billion. Movie theaters have warned such a result would be “a direct and irreversible negative impact on movie theaters around the world.”

The merger awaits regulatory approval, while Paramount Skydance is still trying to convince Warner shareholders to accept its rival offer.

After an audacious promotional tour for “Marty Supreme,” Timothée Chalamet is poised to win his first Globe in five nominations. In best actor, comedy or musical, he’ll have to beat DiCaprio, a three-time Globe winner, and Ethan Hawke (“Blue Moon”).

In best actress, comedy or musical, Rose Byrne is the favorite for her performance in the not especially funny A24 indie “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.” One prominent nominee in the category, Cynthia Erivo (“Wicked: For Good”), won’t be attending due to her schedule in the West End production “Dracula.”

Jessie Buckley (“Hamnet”) is the clear front-runner in best actress, drama. In the star-studded best actor, drama, category, the Brazilian actor Wagner Moura (“The Secret Agent”) may win over Michael B. Jordan (“Sinners”) and Joel Edgerton (“Train Dreams”).

In the supporting categories, Teyana Taylor and Stellan Skarsgård come in the favorites.

The Globes, formerly presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, have no overlap or direct correlation with the Academy Awards. After being sold in 2023 to Todd Boehly’s Eldridge Industries and Dick Clark Productions, a part of Penske Media, the Globes are voted on by around 400 people. The Oscars are voted on by more than 10,500 professionals.

But in the fluctuating undulations of awards season, a good speech at the Globes can really boost an Oscar campaign. Last year, that seemed to be the case for Demi Moore, who won for “The Substance” and gave the night's most emotional speech. Mikey Madison (“Anora”), however, scored the upset win at the Oscars.

A few potentially good moments this year went instead in a Golden Eve ceremony earlier this week. There, the Cecil B. DeMille and Carol Burnett honorees, Helen Mirren and Sarah Jessica Parker, accepted their awards.

One to watch, if he wins, will be the Iranian director Jafar Panahi. His revenge drama “It Was Just an Accident” is up for four awards. Panahi has spent most of his career making films clandestinely, without approval of authorities, and was until recently banned from leaving the country. Last month, he was sentenced to a year in prison, which would be only his latest stint behind bars if Panahi returns home to serve it. This week, protests over Iran’s ailing economy have spread throughout the country in a new test to Iran's leaders.

For the first time, the Globes are trotting out a new podcast category. The nominees are: “Armchair Expert,” “Call Her Daddy,” “Good Hang With Amy Poehler,” “The Mel Robbins Podcast,” “SmartLess” and “Up First.”

In TV, HBO Max’s “The White Lotus” — another potential big winner for Warner Bros. — leads with six nominations. Netflix’s “Adolescence” comes in with five nods.

But the most closely watched nominee might be “The Studio.” The first season of Seth Rogen’s Hollywood satire memorably included an episode devoted to drama around a night at the Globes. (Sample line: “I remember when the red carpet of the Golden Globes actually stood for something.”) “The Studio” is up for three awards, giving three chances for life to imitate art.

For more coverage of this year’s Golden Globe Awards, visit: https://apnews.com/hub/golden-globe-awards

Amy Poehler, left, and Joel Lovell arrive at the 83rd Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Amy Poehler, left, and Joel Lovell arrive at the 83rd Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Owen Cooper arrives at the 83rd Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Owen Cooper arrives at the 83rd Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Teyana Taylor arrives at the 83rd Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Teyana Taylor arrives at the 83rd Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Teyana Taylor arrives at the 83rd Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Teyana Taylor arrives at the 83rd Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Stellan Skarsgård, left, and Megan Everett-Skarsgard arrive at the 83rd Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Stellan Skarsgård, left, and Megan Everett-Skarsgard arrive at the 83rd Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Colman Domingo arrives at the 83rd Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Colman Domingo arrives at the 83rd Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Selena Gomez arrives at the 83rd Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Selena Gomez arrives at the 83rd Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Nikki Glaser arrives at the 83rd Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Nikki Glaser arrives at the 83rd Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Maura Higgins, from ledt, Gayle King, and Mona Kosar Abdi arrive at the 83rd Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Maura Higgins, from ledt, Gayle King, and Mona Kosar Abdi arrive at the 83rd Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Derek Hough arrives at the 83rd Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Derek Hough arrives at the 83rd Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Tessa Thompson arrives at the Golden Globes Golden Eve on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, at The Beverly Hilton Hotel, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Tessa Thompson arrives at the Golden Globes Golden Eve on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, at The Beverly Hilton Hotel, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Nikki Glaser rolls out the red carpet during the 83rd Golden Globes press preview on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Nikki Glaser rolls out the red carpet during the 83rd Golden Globes press preview on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

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