Russia is celebrating today, Tuesday, the anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II with a parade in Red Square under tight security measures in the wake of a series of drone attacks, including an attack on the Kremlin itself, which Moscow blames on Ukraine. Victory Day is one of the most important public holidays in Russia, where Russians remember the significant sacrifices made by the Soviet Union during what is known as the Great Patriotic War from 1941 to 1945, which claimed around 27 million lives.
This year's anniversary takes on an added significance as Russia mourns thousands of soldiers killed in the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has persisted for 15 months with no signs of ending. Russia also faces drone attacks, including a strike on the Kremlin on May 3, which it described as an assassination attempt on President Vladimir Putin. Ukraine denies any involvement and is expected to launch a counteroffensive soon to reclaim territory.
Putin frequently likens the war in Ukraine to the challenge faced by the Soviet Union after the Nazi invasion led by Hitler in 1941, framing the conflict as a battle against nationalists inspired by Nazism. Kyiv describes this as absurd and accuses Russia of acting like Nazi Germany after launching an unwarranted aggressive war and seizing Ukrainian territories.
Putin, the Russian defense minister, and other senior officials are expected to witness a parade in Red Square that typically includes tanks, intercontinental ballistic missile launchers, and infantry soldiers. However, authorities have canceled the flying of aircraft, reflecting heightened security measures due to the drone attacks. Reports also indicate that fewer soldiers and military equipment will participate in this year's parade due to the heavy toll of the Ukrainian war on personnel and resources. Authorities have canceled processions where people carry photos of their relatives who fought against Nazism.
Putin is scheduled to deliver a speech in Red Square, where he will be joined by leaders from several former Soviet republics. Last year, Putin did not mention Ukraine in his speech but criticized NATO for its expansion up to Russian borders and praised the heroism of the Soviets in resisting Hitler. Finland, located on the border with Russia, has joined NATO.
Patriarch Kirill, head of the powerful Russian Orthodox Church and a close ally of Putin, stated, "We hope that no one will ever again attack the sacred borders of the homeland." Kirill laid a bouquet of flowers yesterday at the tomb of the unknown soldier in central Moscow. He said, "But until that happens, our country must be strong because countries that everyone fears are not attacked."
In response to a question about the cancellation of some Victory Day events, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov blamed Ukraine, stating, "When we have to deal with a state that is already a sponsor of terrorism, it is better to take preemptive measures."
