[By Liu Rui/Global Times]

Russia held a military parade in Moscow's Red Square on Monday to mark the 66th anniversary of the Soviet victory over the Nazis in World War II.

This is one of the few chances within a year that Russia could capture world attention.

But the third round of the China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue, unveiled the same day, diverted part of the global concern.

The familiar marching soldiers and Russian missiles over Red Square reminded people of the country's pride and overwhelming might in the era of the Soviet Union.

It's undeniable that the Soviet Union has swung away gradually from the world focus after the disintegration.

I witnessed Russia's painstaking effort in positioning its status and also observed its move off the center of the world stage.

Former US national security advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski once described the living conditions of Russia after the disintegration of the Soviet Union as "Third World." The severe anguish of the disintegration was unprecedented.

Surprise also pervaded many Chinese reports of Russia's falling to second or third-tier status. Russia became a typical example of national failure.

Shock therapy failed to lead Russia to embrace for market-oriented economy but left the nation stagnant.

Privatization dragged nearly 20 percent of Russians into poverty and produced an "oligarchy" class that is still plaguing Russia's current reform and development.