Fireworks over Red Square: Russia's Tribute to Defeating Nazi Germany
Russia honorably commemorates the victory over Nazi Germany in a grand military display. - Russia marks the victory over Nazi Germany anniversary with a military showcase
Want to catch a global gathering? Head to Moscow on May 9, where more than 20 international bigwigs, including President Xi Jinping of China and Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia, are expected to attend Russia's Victory Day parade. While the EU's foreign ministers huddle up in Lviv, Ukraine, Russia will be celebrating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. Unlike their Western counterparts, who mark this historic event on May 8, Russians celebrate on May 9.
But why the date difference? Well, it all goes back to the Soviet Union's insistence on a formal ceremony in Berlin on May 8, 1945. However, due to time zone differences, it was already May 9 in Moscow, thus firmly establishing the date of Victory Day for the Soviet Union and its successor states [1][2].
The reason for the fervent commemoration is twofold: celebrating the defeat of Nazi Germany and mourning the immense losses suffered by the Soviet Union, with military and civilian deaths estimated at between 20-27 million people [1]. Russian Victory Day isn't just about triumph; it's about acknowledging the heavy price paid for victory.
The centerpiece of the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow is the grand military parade on Red Square. The first Victory Parade took place on June 24, 1945, symbolizing the Soviet Army's might and resolve [3]. Today, the parade remains a powerful testament to national pride and military strength.
Unfortunately, I couldn't find specific details about the foreign leaders attending this year's parade. However, Russia has a history of inviting heads of foreign states to Victory Day jubilees, with the exception of 2000 [2]. As we wait for the official word, keep your eyes peeled for updates on who will be marching alongside President Vladimir Putin on May 9.
Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, will not be joining the global gathering in Moscow for Russia's commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. Despite European Union foreign ministers convening in Lviv, Ukraine, to discuss war-and-conflicts and politics, they will not be attending the military parade in Moscow. The EU, unlike Russia, observes the anniversary on May 8, while Russia celebrates on May 9, a tradition rooted in the Soviet Union's insistence on a formal ceremony in Berlin on May 8, 1945, which fell on May 9 in Moscow. The anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany is a significant event for Russia, not only to celebrate the defeat of Nazi Germany but also to mourn the heavy losses suffered by the Soviet Union during World War II. Interestingly, the EU, unlike Russia, does not have a military parade to commemorate this event.
