To mark the 78th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the northernmost Victory Parade took place in the Svalbard archipelago. The event was reported by DEA News.
A wreath-laying ceremony and a parade of automotive equipment were held in Barentsburg, as part of the celebrations. It was noted that, for the first time in the history of the modern Russian state, the leadership of the Arktikugol trust organized and successfully conducted a parade featuring the Russian coal company’s transport and heavy machinery on May 9. The aim was to emphasize solidarity with Russia on this memorable day, underscoring the peaceful nature of the Russian presence in Svalbard, according to statements cited from RIA and reported by the News Consul General.
More than fifty vehicles, special equipment, and snowmobiles belonging to the Federal State Unitary Enterprise Arktikugol moved through the Russian settlements of Barentsburg and Pyramiden, accompanied by an MI8-MVT helicopter. The procession was welcomed by local residents alongside international visitors who observed the spectacle with interest.
In addition to the parade, a concert inspired by the poem Vasily Terkin by Alexander Tvardovsky was presented by Russian polar explorers who prepared the performance themselves. The audience joined in singing Victory Day, with the final chorus lingering in the hall as the celebration drew to a close.
The participants also visited the Sleipner cannon memorial near the Russian village. The memorial honors Norwegian defenders who perished during the 1943 assault by the Nazi fleet. A memorial service was held at the site, attended by officials from the Consulate, the Arktikugol leadership, the Barentsburg Mine administration, and local residents in attendance.
As noted by officials, Norwegian participation in Barentsburg commemorations has not been routine in recent years, marking a shift in local observances and collaboration during the commemorative period.