Russia marks 75th Victory Day parade anniversary at Red Square

1 of 30

President Vladimir Putin reviewed a spectacular Red Square military parade on Wednesday, a patriotic display critics said was designed to lift his lower-than-usual ratings on the eve of a nationwide vote that could extend his rule until 2036. Image Credit: Reuters

2 of 30

Putin watched as intercontinental ballistic missile launchers trundled past, nuclear-capable bombers flew overhead, and columns of tanks and over 14,000 troops, including some from allies like China, marched past under hot sunshine. The parade, to mark the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union's World War Two victory over the Nazis, was postponed from May 9 because of the novel coronavirus outbreak, but critics said it was still irresponsible to go ahead with it. Image Credit: Reuters

3 of 30

The Kremlin dismissed that assertion, saying new daily infections, though still in the thousands, were on the wane, especially in the Russian capital, the original epicentre of the outbreak, and that all safety precautions were taken. Image Credit: Reuters

4 of 30

Volunteers gave masks and gloves to those watching on Red Square and ordered them to sit two seats apart. Image Credit: AP

5 of 30

Putin, flanked by veterans, did not wear a mask, but people around him had been tested for the coronavirus, including veterans quarantined at a resort outside Moscow beforehand. Image Credit: AP

6 of 30

Thousands of people thronged Moscow's streets to watch tanks roll through the city on what was a public holiday. Image Credit: AP

7 of 30

Putin struck a conciliatory tone towards the West, despite complaining beforehand about what he called attempts by some European countries to rewrite history. Image Credit: Reuters

8 of 30

He said Moscow would never forget the contribution made by the Soviet Union's wartime allies, including their opening of a second front in 1944. Image Credit: Reuters

9 of 30

Putin also made an indirect reference to his desire for the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council to hold a summit to try to tackle the world's problems. Image Credit: Reuters

10 of 30

"We are open to dialogue and cooperation on the most current international questions," said Putin. Image Credit: via REUTERS

11 of 30

"Among them is the creation of a reliable and general system of security, which the complex fast-changing modern world needs. Image Credit: via REUTERS

12 of 30

Russian Ka-52 "Alligator" military helicopters fly during the Victory Day Parade in Saint Petersburg, Russia Image Credit: Reuters

13 of 30

Only together can we defend it from new dangerous threats," he said. | Russian servicemen march during the Victory Day Parade in Red Square. Image Credit: Reuters

14 of 30

Before the pandemic, Putin had hoped to host the leaders of France and China at the parade. | Russian sailors march toward Red Square during the Victory Day military parade. Image Credit: AP

15 of 30

In the event, around 10 world leaders attended, most of them from ex-Soviet countries. The president of Kyrgyzstan had to drop out at the last minute after two people who accompanied him to Moscow tested positive for COVID-19 on arrival. Image Credit: AP

16 of 30

The parade was held on the eve of a nationwide vote, from June 25 until July 1, on constitutional changes, including an amendment that would allow Putin two more six-year terms as president if re-elected. Image Credit: Reuters

17 of 30

Current constitutional limits bar him from seeking re-election when his mandate ends in 2024. Experts from state pollster VTsIOM have forecast that 67-71% of voters will endorse the changes. Kremlin critics say the vote is a sham they fear will be falsified. Image Credit: Reuters

18 of 30

Some analysts say the authorities, backed by state media, use the annual parade to boost patriotic feeling, something that could help lift Putin's approval rating which is at 59%, according to independent pollster Levada. Image Credit: Reuters

19 of 30

Though high by most countries' standards, it is at its lowest since 1999. Image Credit: AP

20 of 30

Polls show people's willingness to protest has risen as lower oil prices and a prolonged lockdown have battered the economy, unemployment has risen, and a Kremlin plan to reverse years of falling real wages has been knocked off course. Image Credit: AP

21 of 30

Sergei Aleksashenko, an economist who has been critical of Putin, told the Ekho Moskvy radio station on Tuesday that the Russian leader was determined to hold the parade despite the pandemic. Image Credit: Reuters

22 of 30

"Vladimir Putin believes that the parade is a reaffirmation of his greatness, the greatness of the country and of our historical memory," said Aleksashenko. Image Credit: Reuters

23 of 30

Russian military drummers march during the Victory Day Parade in Red Square in Moscow. Image Credit: Reuters

24 of 30

Russian servicewomen march during the Victory Day Parade in Red Square in Moscow. Image Credit: Reuters

25 of 30

T-34 Soviet-era tanks drive during the Victory Day Parade in Red Square. Image Credit: Reuters

26 of 30

Russian Su-25 jet aircraft release smoke in the colours of the Russian state flag during the Victory Day Parade in Moscow. Image Credit: Reuters

27 of 30

A Russian serviceman marches during the Victory Day Parade in Red Square. Image Credit: Reuters

28 of 30

Russia's Young Army cadets march during the Victory Day Parade in Red Square. Image Credit: Reuters

29 of 30

Russian servicemen line up before the Victory Day Parade in Red Square. Image Credit: Reuters

30 of 30

Russian servicemen march before the Victory Day Parade in Red Square in Moscow. Image Credit: Reuters

Photos News

Russia marks 75th Victory Day parade anniversary at Red Square

More From Photos

Macron presses China’s Xi to halt Ukraine war, agree fair trade

No place to pray for Muslim workers in this Italian city of Monfalcone

Teenager turns self in after attack on German politician

Fresh blow to Rishi Sunak as Labour victories in key UK mayoral polls

GULFNEWS SECTIONS

Trending

Russia marks 75th Victory Day parade anniversary at Red Square

More From Photos

Macron presses China’s Xi to halt Ukraine war, agree fair trade

No place to pray for Muslim workers in this Italian city of Monfalcone

Teenager turns self in after attack on German politician

Fresh blow to Rishi Sunak as Labour victories in key UK mayoral polls

GULFNEWS SECTIONS