'Immortal Regiment' absent from Russia's Victory Day

According to AP, many regions of Russia have canceled events to celebrate Victory Day on May 9 because of concerns that they could be targets of Ukrainian attacks.

Moscow also canceled one of the most notable Victory Day celebrations: the Immortal Regiment parade, in which people take to the streets carrying portraits of relatives who died or served in World War II.

Victory Day, May 9, this year marks the 78th anniversary of Nazi Germany's surrender in World War II after relentless attacks by the Soviet Red Army.

Russian soldiers march towards Red Square during a rehearsal on May 7. Photo: AP

On May 7, Russia held a rehearsal to prepare for the military parade at Red Square. The official parade is scheduled to take place at 10:00 a.m. on May 9 (local time) with the participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said more than 10,000 people and about 130 units of military equipment and weapons were involved in preparing this year's parade.

The capital Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia's second-largest city, have banned the use of drones over security concerns.

Russian analyst Dmitry Oreshkin said Russian authorities thought the risks were becoming more serious because the possibility of drones targeting Victory Day was entirely possible.

Below is a photo of Russia's rehearsal on May 7 posted by AP:

Rehearsal in St. Petersburg.

A T-34 tank moves towards Red Square in Moscow.

The Iskander short-range ballistic missile system will take part in the parade.

Russian RS-24 Yars ballistic missile during a rehearsal.

Some other pictures from the rehearsal.

Pham Nghia

Source: https://nld.com.vn/thoi-su-quoc-te/trung-doan-bat-tu-vang-mat-trong-ngay-chien-thang-cua-nga-20230508191720403.htm