Soldier Pham Khac Giang, commander of the Vietnamese military parade unit in Russia, shared that being personally greeted and encouraged by Russian President Vladimir Putin was not only a personal honor but a moment of pride for his entire unit.

The 80th anniversary Victory Day parade, commemorating the end of the Great Patriotic War, took place on May 9 in Red Square, Moscow. The sight of the Vietnamese People’s Army (VPA) soldiers marching confidently across the square resonated strongly on social media, with many Vietnamese expressing pride in the country's military representation abroad.

The Vietnamese formation, led by Pham Khac Giang, included 68 soldiers organized in a disciplined 8-by-8 formation, with a three-person team bearing the military flag.

Speaking with VietNamNet, Giang expressed a sense of nostalgia for the time spent training in Russia after returning home. He emphasized that it was an immense honor for the Military Officer School No. 1 to be selected to represent the VPA in such a significant international event.

“We use this as motivation to continue our training and studies, striving to successfully carry out the missions entrusted to us by the Party, the State, the Army, and the people,” Giang stated.

The moment President Vladimir Putin approached and shook hands with the parade leaders of foreign delegations, including Pham Khac Giang, left a deep impression. Though the exchange was brief, many observers were moved by the Vietnamese soldier’s dignified and confident bearing.

Reflecting on the experience, Giang said, “Being selected to represent the unit and personally greeted by President Putin made me extremely proud. It was not just my honor, but that of my comrades in the unit, our colleagues at home, and the Vietnamese people.”

He also recalled the initial challenges the team faced upon arrival in Russia, including the time zone difference and harsh cold. However, with a well-prepared training schedule and guidance from instructors, the team quickly adapted and performed successfully in the May 9 parade.

Giang expressed deep gratitude for the support and affection of the Vietnamese community in Russia. “We were warmly cared for by our compatriots, and I’d like to thank the Vietnamese community in Russia, my fellow soldiers, and the people of Vietnam,” he said.

Born in 2000 and hailing from Thuan Thanh, Bac Ninh, Giang currently serves at the Military Officer School No. 1, where he was selected as parade commander for the VPA contingent. While disciplined in his military role, he is known for being approachable and friendly in daily life, often sharing glimpses of his routine on social media.

Lieutenant Colonel Ho Sy Quang, head of the drill and formation training department at the school, said the entire team felt warmth and happiness upon returning home to a rousing welcome at Noi Bai Airport. All members of the delegation were in good health and high spirits.

Commenting on the Vietnamese unit’s performance during the May 9 parade, Lt. Col. Quang noted that the team’s formation quality was commendable and had been highly praised by the Russian side as one of the best-performing foreign units in the event.

“The 4-hour time difference and harsh weather, including heavy snowfall, affected our health. The practice grounds in Russia also differed from those in Vietnam, but the whole team remained united and determined to overcome these obstacles,” he said.

Lt. Col. Quang also expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic support of the Vietnamese community abroad, who provided traditional Vietnamese food to help the soldiers stay in top condition.

Russia’s invitation for Vietnam to send a military contingent to participate in the May 9 parade at Red Square reflects Moscow’s respect and recognition of Vietnam’s role.

It also serves as a vivid demonstration of the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations, particularly in defense and military-technical cooperation.

All 68 participating soldiers were from the Military Officer School No. 1, ranging in age from 19 to 30, and all at least 1.8 meters tall. Selected for their discipline, fitness, and precision, these officers, cadets, and instructors represented the finest image of the VPA.

Tran Thuong