Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin wants to perform under the strictest security measures at the annual May 9 military parade in Moscow.
On Tuesday, Russia celebrates the anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in 1945. Like last year, the celebrations are overshadowed by the offensive war against Ukraine. Under strict security measures, Russian President Vladimir Putin will also appear at the grand military parade on Moscow’s Red Square (starting at 9am CEST).
In his speech, Putin is expected to comment on the ongoing attacks on Ukraine for more than 14 months, which Russian propaganda portrays as a World War II-style battle against fascism.
The Belarusian ruler arrived
Contrary to what was originally announced, foreign heads of state and government will be guests in the VIP gallery – namely from the former Soviet republics of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Armenia. Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko also arrived in Moscow unannounced on Monday. Usually, Lukashenko does not take part in the military parade on the day of victory over Hitler’s Germany in Moscow, because at the same time he leads the celebration in his own country in Minsk. But he is politically, economically and militarily heavily dependent on Moscow.
In recent days, there has been repeated speculation whether the parade, in which more than 10,000 military personnel march and display military technology, will actually take place or whether it will be canceled for security reasons.
Just a few days ago, two drones reached the Kremlin grounds. They could be brought down by anti-aircraft fire over the dome of the Senate Palace. Moscow holds Kiev responsible for the alleged attempted assassination of Putin. Ukraine rejects this and speaks of a Russian staging.
However, the traditional march “Immortal Regiment”, which is usually held after the parade, was canceled in Moscow this year. The parades were also canceled in more than 20 other Russian cities due to the high security risk.
Source: Krone
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