Russia marks WWII Victory Day with mass military parade despite COVID-19
Russia has celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II with a spectacular military parade. Over 14,000 troops took part, despite a high number of coronavirus cases in Moscow.
Celebration over social distancing
Despite a significant coronavirus outbreak in Moscow, over 14,000 troops, 200 armored vehicles, and 75 aircraft participated in the Victory Day celebration in Moscow's Red Square. Representatives from 13 other countries were also present.
Remembering the 'Great Patriotic War'
The traditional May 9 Victory Day celebration, which commemorates the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak. "Victory Day and the Great Patriotic War, as it’s known here, have become part of the official state ideology here in Russia," DW’s Moscow correspondent Emily Sherwin reported.
Patriotic posturing before the big vote
The celebration in Red Square saw President Vladimir Putin flanked by elderly World War II veterans in uniform. It took place on the eve of vote on constitutional changes that, if passed, would allow Putin two more six-year presidential terms if re-elected. Current law bars him from seeking re-election when his term ends in 2024.
WHO warns Russia against large gatherings
With over 8,000 fatalities and some 600,000 confirmed infections, Russia has the third-largest coronavirus overall caseload in the world, after the US and Brazil. Just days ago, the World Health Organization reiterated its warning to Russia that mass events risk spreading the deadly infection.