The spokesperson for the Russian presidency, Dmitry Peskov, has signaled that alternative formats of the Immortal Regiment are likely to attract strong interest among citizens. During a briefing with reporters, he acknowledged that there is no clear decision yet on whether President Vladimir Putin will participate in these new formats.
“No comment on the president’s personal participation here, but it is certain that these alternative formats will be in high demand among the people,” the Kremlin press secretary remarked. This underscores a broader shift in the commemoration of wartime memory toward flexible, inclusive ways to honor veterans and fallen heroes.
Earlier, Elena Tsunaeva, a deputy in the State Duma and co-chair of the central headquarters of the Russian Immortal Regiment Public Organization for Public Charity (OOD), indicated that traditional in-person processions in Russia may not take place this year as part of the Immortal Regiment campaign. She noted that certain regions, including Crimea, reportedly declined to hold a live parade “because of the threat” to participants. The comment reflected regional caution amid ongoing security and logistical considerations affecting large-scale public gatherings.
In contrast, Olga Zanko, who heads the central headquarters of the All-Russian People’s Movement “Victory Volunteers” and also serves as a State Duma deputy, stated that the 2023 observance of Victory Day and the Immortal Regiment would be conducted in a mixed format. This approach blends online participation with limited in-person events, aiming to preserve the commemorative spirit while adapting to practical realities on the ground.
Previously, Voronezh regional authorities decided to maintain the Immortal Regiment action in an online format on May 9, aligning with ongoing adjustments to public commemoration. Officials cited safety, accessibility, and the desire to reach a broader audience as motivations for continuing digital participation, which allows people from various regions to participate without traveling to central locations.
Together, these developments illustrate a broader trend in how memory rituals are evolving in Russia. By offering online options and mixed formats, organizers seek to preserve the emotional resonance of May 9 while addressing concerns about security, logistics, and inclusive participation. Observers note that the shift toward digital and hybrid formats could become a lasting feature of the Immortal Regiment, enabling veterans, families, and supporters to honor the legacy of World War II in more flexible ways. The conversations surrounding participation levels, regional variations, and official endorsements are likely to continue as the date approaches, reflecting the complex balance between tradition and practicality in contemporary commemorations.
At its core, the Immortal Regiment remains a central ceremonial act for many Russians, symbolizing a shared national memory and gratitude toward those who served in a defining period of the nation’s history. The move toward inclusivity and digital accessibility signals an intent to keep the remembrance meaningful across generations, even as organizers navigate the evolving landscape of public events, safety considerations, and regional perspectives. The public discourse around these formats highlights the importance of citizen engagement in memory culture while acknowledging the practical realities of large-scale nationwide observances.