Russia holds WW2 victory parade in shadow of virus

Russia is celebrating its greatest public holiday, Triumph Day, with a military parade in Moscow that was indicated to be hung on 9 May.

It is 75 years since the then USSR defeated Nazi Germany. World War 2 cost more than 20 million Soviet lives.

President Vladimir Putin unwillingly delayed the huge annual event because of the coronavirus pandemic.

However it was rescheduled ahead of a crucial constitutional vote, which could allow him a further two terms in power.

Moscow’s lockdown alleviated this month, however mass gatherings technically stay banned. Soldiers participating needed to go into quarantine ahead of the parade.

The number of confirmed cases in Russia rose above 600,000 on Wednesday, with another 7,176 new infections reported over the previous 24 hours.

This is, however, lower than in Might, when the country reported more than 10,000 brand-new cases a day for more than a week.

Why hold the parade now?

This year’s event is special for President Putin because in a week’s time Russia will hold a nationwide vote on constitutional amendments that are anticipated to pave the way for him to stay in power beyond 2024, when his existing term ends.

The annual parade in Red Square is constantly an event for Mr Putin to harness Russian patriotic sensations, in such a way reminiscent of Soviet times.