In recent decades, the holiday of May 9, victory day, has served as an unusual unifying commemoration in Russia and throughout the former Soviet Union, given that some 27 million Soviets perished in World War II. But Putin has fueled the divisions trying to use the Soviet victory in 1945 to legitimize his invasion of Ukraine, where Russia, according to the Kremlin falsely affirms, is fighting against the “Nazis.”
On Friday, severe security measures were introduced throughout Moscow; Traffic was blocked throughout the city center and metro stations were closed in the vicinity of the Kremlin. Internet access has been sporadic. Many in Russia feared that Ukraine could use one of its long -range drones to attack the city on the day of the parade, especially after an attack of Ukrainian drones forced to close the four main airports in Moscow earlier this week.
Friday’s parade was the largest since the invasion of Ukraine, according to the figures provided by the Russian Defense Ministry. More than 180 military vehicles, such as tanks, obuses and nuclear lanzamisiles, paraded through the square, the ministry said. In the parade last year only a tank paraded – a model of the Soviet era – along with other military teams.
-This year’s parade ended with an overflow of Russian airplanes.
Ivan Nechepurenko Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Caucasus countries, and Central Asia. Reside in Moscow.
Anton Troianovski He is the bureau chief in Moscow of the Times. Write about Russia, Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia.
