Russia is celebrating Victory Day on Tuesday. However, this year the day is being celebrated under tight security due to recent drone attacks in Moscow, which has made Russia more vigilant especially after a strike over Kremlin citadel. Russia has accused Ukraine for these attacks.
What is Victory Day?
Russia marks May 9 as the Victory Day to commemorate the anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War Two. On this day in 1945 Germany formally signed its surrender to the Aix Powers (led by Britain). On this day a victory parade takes place at Red Square.
The historical significance of the Victory Day is great for Russians and so it is an important public holiday in the former Soviet country. Russians honour the huge sacrifices of the citizens of their country during what was the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945. Reportedly, the USSR had lost nearly 27 million citizens in the war, surpassing the numbers in any other country at that time.
Putin Speaks
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Russian military and said that a real war is being waged right now while adding that Russia is protecting its sovereignty. He said, “Today civilisation is again at a decisive turning point. A real war has again been unleashed against our Motherland.” He also mentioned that Russia wants to see “peaceful future”. However, he said that West wants to see “fall of our country”.
At a time when Russia is at war with Ukraine, Putin encouraged the soldiers by saying, “Everybody is praying for you,” that he was proud of soldiers who were participating in the “special military operation” and the nation supports their “heroes”.
Putin has always compared Ukraine’s government with the Nazis who lost in World War Two and the Ukraine war with the similar situation the USSR was faced with, at the time of Adolf Hitler’s invasion in 1941. He also likened this war as a fight against “Nazi”-inspired nationalists. He refers to Ukraine’s leaders as neo-Nazis.
Changes in Victory Day Parade this year
Vladimir Putin has repeatedly blamed Ukraine of launching recent drone attacks in Russia, however, the latter has denied the accusation. Ukraine has in turn alleged Russia of behaving like Nazi Germany by starting an unprovoked war and claiming Ukrainian territory.
Due to recent drone attacks, this year the Victory Parade saw changes as compared to previous years. This year only 8,000 soldiers are participating as compared to 11,000 last year. Less military hardware was displayed in this year’s parade, there were no modern tanks, no military flypast, and the parade was shorter than in earlier years.
