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
This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to improve your experience and provide more personalized service to you.
Both on your website and other media. To find out more about the cookies and data we use, please check out our Privacy Policy.
![Copy of Russia_Red_Square_Parade_86618.jpg-c2924 [1]-1592996606841](https://imagevars.gulfnews.com/2020/06/24/Copy-of-Russia_Red_Square_Parade_86618.jpg-c2924--1--1592996606841_172e5ff337d_original-ratio.jpg)
