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“We are united by a common memory and common hopes, common aspirations, our responsibility for the present and the future. We know and firmly believe that we are insurmountable when we are together,” Putin said in a televised speech when the coronavirus had to cancel plans to hold a large traditional Victory Day parade on Moscow’s Red Square.
Putin made no mention of the coronavirus at all in his speech, although Russia is now fifth in the world in terms of the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection. On Saturday it was announced that the number of confirmed infections had risen to 198,676, of which 10,817 were recorded in the last day.
However, part of his speech hints at the difficulties facing the Russian people as a result of the pandemic.
Reuters / Scanpix Photo / Commemoration of Victory Day in Moscow
“Our veterans fought for life, against death. And we will always match their concentration and resistance, “Putin said.
Initially, the Kremlin planned to hold 1.5 hours. parade, during which 15 thousand. troops, historic military machines and the latest missile systems under the surveillance of war veterans and world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron.
Reuters / Scanpix Photo / Commemoration of Victory Day in Moscow
The event was to highlight Russia’s image as heir to the achievements of the Soviet Union and Moscow’s interpretation of history that the Soviets made the greatest contribution to the victory over Nazism, as the country lost millions of lives.
The demonstration of military equipment was also to highlight Russia’s role on the world stage, for example in the resolution of current conflicts, including the war in Syria, although the international community refuses to recognize the annexation of Crimea-owned Moscow. Ukraine.
However, with the spread of the coronavirus in Europe, Putin finally decided to postpone the parade in mid-April.
On Saturday, Putin placed flowers in the eternal fire at the Kremlin Memorial in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and delivered a solemn speech highlighting the sacrifices made by the Soviet Union during the conflict, which the Russians call the Great Patriotic War.
AFP / Scanpix Photo / Moscow
After the speech, the President paid tribute to the victims of the war with a minute of silence. Members of the honorary company also marched during the ceremony, but Russian television also showed an empty Red Square in the country.
Dozens of military helicopters, bombers, and fighter jets later flew over the capital. It was the only demonstration of military power in Moscow to mark this year’s Victory Day.
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