In the lead-up to the 80th anniversary of Victory the Great Patriotic War, Russian President Vladimir Putin is launching a four-day marathon of bilateral meetings with visiting foreign leaders. According to the Kremlin, Putin is scheduled to hold more than 15 full-scale bilateral talks this week, along with several shorter informal conversations.
On May 7, the Russian president will meet with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, followed by talks with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, and President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso.
Strengthening Ties
The first official meeting in Putin’s packed international schedule is with President Maduro, who is in Moscow on an official visit. The two leaders last met in person during the BRICS summit in Kazan in October 2024, and also held virtual talks in March 2025.
Today’s discussions will take place in both narrow and expanded formats. The leaders are expected to focus on expanding economic cooperation, cultural and humanitarian ties, and to exchange views on key regional and global issues.
At the conclusion of their talks, Putin and Maduro will sign a strategic partnership and cooperation agreement. The Kremlin has said the document reflects the high level of relations between the two countries and lays out guiding principles and priorities for further collaboration, both bilaterally and on the international stage.
During his visit, Maduro will also take part in Victory Day commemorations. In Venezuela, the anniversary of the end of World War II is marked with particular reverence, including an annual “Immortal Regiment” march.
A Strategic Partnership
Cooperation between Moscow and Caracas continues to grow across a wide range of areas — all of which are expected to be addressed during the leaders' meeting.
Russian officials regularly visit Venezuela, and Venezuelan politicians frequently travel to Russia. The Intergovernmental Commission oversees the deepening of economic ties. Bilateral trade has surged by 64% over the past year, largely driven by increased agricultural exchanges. Russia exports fertilizers, wheat, and high-tech goods such as machinery and industrial equipment to Venezuela.
The Kremlin also highlighted progress in humanitarian cooperation: tourism between the two countries is growing, people-to-people ties are strengthening, and educational exchanges are expanding.
Russia and Venezuela also maintain close coordination in international organizations, including the United Nations. Both countries advocate for a genuinely multipolar world, strict adherence to international law, and oppose foreign interference and the use of sanctions as political leverage.
They also work together within OPEC+ and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum. The Kremlin welcomed Venezuela’s interest in deeper engagement with BRICS and closer ties with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
A Full Diplomatic Agenda
In addition to his talks with Maduro, Putin will meet later in the day with three other visiting leaders.
He is scheduled to hold talks with Díaz-Canel of Cuba. As noted by Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov, May 8 marks the 65th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic ties between Moscow and Havana following the Cuban Revolution.
Next, Putin will meet with Mongolian President Khürelsükh, with the leaders expected to discuss key areas for future bilateral cooperation.
The final meeting of the day will be with President Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo. Ushakov said the two presidents will review the implementation of previous agreements and outline concrete steps to deepen cooperation.
Looking Ahead
This round of meetings marks only the beginning of Putin’s diplomatic activities surrounding the Victory Day celebrations. Over the next four days, he is expected to meet with most of the visiting foreign dignitaries who have come to Moscow for the occasion.
On May 8, the Russian president is also set to host a major reception, which will include a concert and an official luncheon.
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Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS