On May 9th, Russia marked the 78th anniversary of Victory Day with a grand parade in Moscow’s Red Square. The annual event commemorates the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, and is a time for the country to showcase its military prowess.
This year’s parade featured more than 12,000 troops, including units from all branches of the armed forces, as well as military hardware such as tanks, missile systems, and fighter jets. Russian President Vladimir Putin oversaw the event, which also included a flyover by military aircraft and a display of Russia’s latest military technology.
The parade also paid tribute to the soldiers who fought and died during World War II, with a moment of silence and wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The event was attended by veterans, government officials, and members of the public, who waved Russian flags and cheered as the troops marched past.
The Victory Day parade has become an important symbol of Russian national pride and unity, and is a reminder of the sacrifices made by the country’s soldiers during World War II. Despite the ongoing pandemic, this year’s event went ahead as planned, albeit with some restrictions on attendance and social distancing measures in place.