Moscow Rehearses Victory Day Parade

May 7, 2022

Amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine, Russia rehearses its Victory Day parade this week.

It's one of the most popular holidays of the year in Russia but this Victory Day (9 May), which falls on Monday and marks the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War Two, will take on a special meaning with the country locked in a bloody war in Ukraine.

Russia now stands accused of being an invader and aggressor itself, waging war on the same territory Soviet forces liberated from Nazi invaders just over 75 years ago.

But President Vladimir Putin and his allies are expected to try to portray the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a new fight against fascism, accusing the Ukrainian government of neo-Nazi links - an allegation which Kyiv and its Western allies firmly deny.

Russians are taking no chances with Monday's spectacle so on Saturday a dress rehearsal for the parade is taking place.

All eyes on Moscow

The annual military parade in Moscow's Red Square has a new significance this year, as Russian forces continue their two-month assault in Ukraine. As tanks roll through the city streets, speculation is intensifying over President Vladimir Putin's next move.

The ninth of May is one of the most important holidays in the Russian calendar and on Monday there'll be military processions all over the country to commemorate the Soviet Victory over Nazi Germany in 1945. As always, flags flutter from almost every building and shop windows are decorated with golden stars.

But this year will be different. Russia is at war once again - this time with its neighbour.