Victory Day is one of the main holidays in Russia. Each year, in honor of the veterans who fought against the German fascist invaders, the Victory Day Parade takes place on Red Square in Moscow. This year, it began at 10:00 Moscow time. The broadcast can be viewed on federal television channels.
The first Victory Day Parade took place on June 24, 1945. It was presided over three times by Hero of the USSR Marshal Georgy Zhukov, while Joseph Stalin observed the maneuvers of Soviet troops from an honorary tribune located above Lenin’s Mausoleum.
The second parade was held only in 1965. Subsequently, ceremonial processions took place in 1985 and 1990. Only since 1995 has the Victory Day Parade become an annual event.
This year, leaders of eight countries will be present at the parade in Moscow: Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan, as well as Turkmenistan, Laos, Guinea-Bissau, and Cuba.
The main part of the parade consists of the solemn march of honor guards, regiments, battalions, and companies from various branches of the Russian Armed Forces. Additionally, students from cadet, Suvorov, and Nakhimov schools, as well as Yunarmia members, Cossacks, and female servicemembers, will appear on Red Square. Moreover, this year, fighters from the area of special military operations will also take part in the parade. In total, over 9,000 people will participate in the event.
Following the foot troops along Red Square will be a column of military equipment—more than 70 units. The parade will conclude with performances by the aviation groups “Russian Knights” and “Swifts,” weather permitting.