Military parade started in Moscow – Putin speech expected

Parade in Moscow

Thousands of soldiers marched on Red Square.

(Photo: IMAGO/ITAR-TASS)

Moscow Overshadowed by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the traditional military parade marking the 78th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany has begun in Moscow. Under high security, thousands of soldiers marched on Red Square on Tuesday in sunny spring weather.

The appearance of Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin is awaited with particular excitement. In his speech, he will most likely once again justify the war he ordered in Ukraine.

According to official information, a total of more than 10,000 soldiers will march and 125 units of military technology will be shown. Contrary to what was originally announced, a number of foreign heads of state and government are now guests in the VIP gallery – namely from the ex-Soviet republics of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Armenia.

Especially after a drone incident at the Kremlin, there has been repeated speculation over the past few days as to whether the parade will actually take place or whether it will be canceled for security reasons. On the night of last Wednesday, two drones penetrated the Kremlin premises.

They were able to be brought down by anti-aircraft defenses 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.

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