President Vladimir F. headed. Putin is a procession of victory day in Reed Midan on Friday, a great celebration of the Soviet victory against Nazi Germany 80 years ago, which is used to highlight the glories of past Russia and justify the war with Ukraine.
He was sitting with Mr. Putin in positions erected in front of the mausoleum of Vladimir Lenin, the leaders of China and Brazil, and more than 20 other states, an effort by the Kremlin to show how the countries of the “global south” aim to provide the weight of a confrontation to the West.
Watch the procession of thousands of soldiers, dozens of armored vehicles, tanks and nuclear missile launchers. A regiment of Chinese soldiers went in the Red Square before the Kremlin crimson walls.
Why is the procession this year important?
The offer was expected to be the largest since the full invasion of Russia for Ukraine in 2022. Russia welcomed the largest number of foreign figures since 2015, and considered its participation or absence as challenge devices for its challenge or loyalty to the West.
At the end of April, Mr. Putin announced a three -day ceasefire in Ukraine, starting from May 8 to celebrate the celebrations. President Voludmir Zelinski from Ukraine unacceptable The proposal, which he described as a “theatrical performance”, proposed a 30 -day truce that could allow what he called meaningful negotiations to end the war. Mr. Zelinski also said that Ukraine will not provide any security guarantees to the guests of the show in Moscow.
In the days leading to the day of victory in Russia, Ukraine more Attempts to hit Moscow and the surrounding areas, leading to speculation that the show itself can be targeted. In recent days, Russia has targeted Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv.
“It is completely justice that the Russian sky – the aggressor sky – said address Wednesday.
What is its meaning to Russia?
The presentation celebrates the annual vacation, which traditionally exceeded the many sections of Russia as an expression of national pride. The Soviet Union lost more than 26 million people during the war, and almost every family touched.
But after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the show and the major celebrations around it turned into a division point in Russia and abroad.
The Kremlin tried to justify the invasion by confirming that the government in Kiev was kidnapped by a group of Nazis. Mr. Zelinski of Jewish origin, his grandfather fought in the war and died of his family -extended family.
Historical perspective
Western countries held their victory day at Europe’s celebrations, but on Thursday. The difference stems from the time difference between Moscow and Berlin. While Nazi Germany fell into an unconditional surrender, it was already in the middle of the night in Moscow.
The difference became symbolic, as the former allies and their celebrations are divided into two distinguished camps. For example, since 2023, Ukraine celebrates on May 8 as well, symbolizing a rupture with Russia and its Soviet past.
The importance of Putin’s victory
Mr. Putin has a profound personal history related to the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. His brother Victor from Dakhlia died in an orphanage in the German blockade of Lingrad during World War II and was buried in a mass grave there. Mr. Putin’s father was severely injured and his mother died almost due to hunger.
Mr. Putin said his parents did not have hatred towards the Germans, but that was different.
“We grew up on Soviet books and films,” Mr. Putin books. “And we hated.”
March of victory in Russia
The first victory day was held in 1945, shortly after Germany’s surrender. May 9 was announced. Stalin, who ruled the Soviet Union in its time, then put an end to the marches until he returned them on a league basis in 1965. (Stalin wanted to reduce the importance of victory in World War II, and see potential political competitors in the Soviet generals who helped defeat Germany.).
After 1965, the victory over the Nazis gradually became the cornerstone of the Soviet national and Russian rituals. However, the marches were organized only intermittently and did not turn until after 2008 into a wonderful annual show of military power.
On Friday, the offer will also symbolize Russia over the past two decades. In 2005, many Western leaders, including President George W. Bush, attended, indicating the Russian and United States coalition during the war. But Friday, the Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, will be the main guest of honor.
Disorders in Moscow
In the days before the show, Moscow reached a dead end. The airports have been closed again and again due to Ukrainian drones, causing chaos. The disturbances have affected more than 60,000 passengers, According to To the Russian Association of Travel Agencies.
In the city, the main ways of vehicle traffic and pedestrian traffic have been banned. Cellular connection has been disabled over and over again, causing ruin to city services, including taxis and delivery. Many companies were forced to close to get a Grand rehearsal on Wednesday and the same show on Friday.
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