The 78th Victory Anniversary Parade in Moscow
The day began with a ceremonial commemoration on Red Square to mark the 78th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War. The square filled with veterans, military personnel, dignitaries, and spectators who had gathered to honor those who served and sacrificed in the conflict.
Leading the proceedings, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived on Red Square alongside a delegation of foreign guests. The arriving dignitaries included Presidents and leaders from nearby nations who prepared to join the Russian president in observing the commemorative events. Belarus was represented by President Alexander Lukashenko, while Kazakhstan was represented by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Turkmenistan was represented by Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Uzbekistan by Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Kyrgyzstan by Sadyr Japarov, Tajikistan by Emomali Rahmon, and Armenia by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The presence of these leaders underscored the regional significance of the occasion and the diplomatic scenery surrounding the parade.
Inside the stands, Putin exchanged greetings with the veterans, shaking hands and engaging in brief conversations. The audience included veterans who had participated in the war, families of those who had fallen, former servicemen who took part in the special military operation, and students who were there to observe a moment of national remembrance. The central tribune accommodated a mix of these groups, reflecting the broad spectrum of people connected to the history being commemorated.
Security was heightened for this parade, with authorities implementing additional measures to ensure a smooth and secure event in the capital. A spokesperson for the President, Dmitry Peskov, confirmed the tightened security arrangements, noting that the precautions were intended to maintain order and safety for all attendees while preserving the solemn nature of the proceedings.
The Victory Parade was broadcast anew across Moscow’s transit network, with the city’s mayor announcing that the event would be shown for the first time in the wagons and passages between metro stations. This mode of broadcast allowed travelers and city residents to participate in the commemoration as they moved through the urban landscape, bringing the tribute to a broader audience beyond the central Red Square area. The decision highlighted how public memory can be shared through everyday urban life, making the holiday a shared national moment for people in the metro system and beyond.