Pictures from Moscow showed Putin arriving and shaking hands with military officials, before delivering his speech. In a major coup for the Kremlin, at least six post-Soviet leaders including the prime minister of Armenia and the president of Kazakhstan travelled to attend the military parade that fetes the Soviet victory in 1945. 'To Russia! To our brave armed forces! To Victory!' Putin concluded in his speech.Īs the Russian President's address came to a close, cheers rang out across Red Square, with a gun salute and the Russian national anthem, though with a much slimmed down show of military hardware - and no aviation.Īnd in a stark contrast to previous years which have seen Moscow roll out its latest and most sophisticated war machines, today saw just a single tank take part - a Second World War-era T-34. With snipers watching the crowd closely, he welcomed soldiers fighting in Ukraine who were present at the parade, and framed his on-going illegal invasion as being akin to the Soviet fight against Nazi Germany in the Second World War, which came to an end 78 years ago - a false narrative that has nevertheless resonated at home. A real war has been unleashed against our motherland,' he said in a reference to his ongoing invasion that the Kremlin portrays as being a proxy conflict with the West. 'Civilisation is once again at a decisive turning point. It came just hours after another barrage of cruise missiles hit several sites across Ukraine. In his speech, watched by scores of uniformed soldiers, military officials and leaders of former Soviet nations, Putin claimed that Russia wants peace while accusing the 'western elite' of waging a 'real war' against his invading troops. The St George ribbon, red carnations and the Red Star medal are seen on Victory Day.Russia sent out just one aged tank for its Victory Day parade on Moscow's Red Square today as Vladimir Putin's depleted military continues to suffer losses in Ukraine. Red Star medal – a military distinction for bravery.Laying an even number of red carnations at war memorial sites signifies mourning and remembrance. Red carnations – blood red is the color of the Soviet flag under which the veterans had fought.George ribbon – people wear this black-and-yellow ribbon on their clothes or tie it to car antennas as a sign of respect and remembrance. SymbolsĬommon symbols of Victory Day in Russia are: Update: In October 2012, Prime Minister, Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree that would extend the Victory Day Celebrations from Thursday, to Sunday, May 12, 2013. Apart from the anniversaries in 19, Victory Day celebrations in the Soviet Union did not feature a military parade.
Interestingly, until its 20th anniversary (May 9, 1965), Victory Day was not a major holiday, unlike, for instance, May 1, and was considered a work day. It became the end of the Great Patriotic War for the USSR, which lost about 25 million citizens in the four years of fighting. Victory Day marks Germany’s surrender to the Soviet Union in 1945. There may be changes in public transport routes due to parades and street performances. Public offices, schools and most businesses are closed for the celebrations. Victory Day is a national holiday in Russia. These films are repeated each year but the audience seems to never grow tired of them. They may also watch a favorite Soviet film based on the events of World War II, which is also known as the Great Patriotic War. Neighborhood schools may host a program prepared by the students, featuring wartime songs and poetry.Īt home, families gather around a festive table to honor surviving witnesses of World War II and remember those who passed away. Most veterans wear their medals as they head to the parade or an event organized by a local veteran organization.Īnother tradition is to give flowers, usually red carnations, to veterans in the street and to lay wreaths at the war memorial sites. The biggest parade is in Moscow’s Red Square, showcasing Russia’s military forces. Many people attend a local military parade and watch the fireworks at night on Victory Day. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.
RUSSIAN VICTORY DAY PARADE 2016 MUSIC LIST TV
On this day, TV networks broadcast World War II-inspired films, younger generations honor veterans, and the festivities culminate in a military parade at Moscow’s Red Square. Many Russians celebrate Victory Day on May 9.
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