Russia rehearses Victory Day military parade
Russia’s military has conducted a rehearsal of its annual Victory Day parade in the capital Moscow.
The May 9th anniversary commemorates the former Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany.
Russia’s defense ministry says military parades marking the 77th anniversary will be held in 28 cities this year, including in Crimea, which Russia unilaterally annexed in 2014.
About 11,000 soldiers are scheduled to participate in the parade in Moscow’s Red Square.
Saturday’s rehearsal featured Iskander short-range ballistic missiles that are being used in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as nuclear-capable missiles such as Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles. The Yars ICBM is designed to counter US missile defense systems.
Eight MIG-29 fighter jets flew in the shape of the letter “Z”, which is a symbol of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine. The demonstration is seen as an appeal for public support.
Observers say Russian President Vladimir Putin will use the Victory Day parades to show off Russia’s military power both domestically and internationally.
Attention is on what Putin will say in his speech at the ceremony at a time when observers are speculating over how long the fighting in Ukraine will continue.
