Russia commemorates the 78th anniversary of the Soviet Union's Victory Day

Russia held a grand military parade in central Moscow's Red Square on May 9 to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War (May 9, 1945 - May 9, 2023).

Russian President Vladimir Putin, leaders of countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and a large crowds of veterans and Russians watched the parade from the stage on Red Square.

More than 100 items of military hardware and military personnel participated in the ceremony. The traditional air show was canceled this year.

Speaking at the ceremony, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated the Russian people on Victory Day. He said, "For us in Russia, the memory of the defenders of the motherland is sacred. We keep it in our hearts."

The Russian leader led a minute of silence in memory of the Soviet soldiers who fell during the war.

"For Russia, there are no unfriendly, hostile peoples either in the West or in the East. Like the vast majority of people on the planet, we want to see a future of peace, freedom and stability," Putin stressed.

After the parade, Putin and the foreign leaders laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Alexander Garden outside the Kremlin walls.

On the evening of May 9, people in many cities in Russia admired the brilliant fireworks display.

NDO