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Reuters
There was no mask during the Nazi Victory Day parade in Minsk
There are no tanks, there are no parades and veterans in central Moscow on the 75th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s victory during World War II.
The May 9 parade on Red Square was canceled due to the pandemic, but in neighboring Belarus, the parade was still in the center of the capital, Minsk, with a program that included concerts and fireworks.
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EPA
Belarus was devastated during the Nazis. Commemorate victims on May 9
Why are there still parades?
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko did not appear to be shaken by the pandemic. It did not follow the broad model of restrictive measures adopted by other European countries.
Russia is currently under blockade and for seven consecutive days, more than 10,000 new cases of Covid-19 have been recorded.
But Lukashenko refused to cancel the parade, because he intended to show patriotism: it reminded the Belarusian people of difficulties and sacrifice under Soviet rule.
Speaking before the parade, he said: “They sacrificed their lives for us to live today, so that we can commemorate our heroes on this holy day. We cannot do it.” anything else “.
Lukashenko has been in power since 1994, with an authoritarian government in Belarus similar to the Soviet era.
The Nazi occupation of Belarus from 1941 to 1944 exhausted the country: approximately a quarter of the population died, including almost the entire Jewish community.
So, as in Russia, Victory Day is an occasion of deep patriotism for many Belarusians.
How has the corona virus affected Belarus?
The Belarusian government registered 21,101 cases of Covid-19, after doing 240,000 tests. They said 121 people had died.
No figures are available at this time, and journalists are unable to interview health workers or find out what is happening in hospitals.
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Getty Images
In Minsk, soldiers practice a training race for parades without masks.
Stores, schools, and public transportation continue to operate as usual. But the country’s health ministry advises people to avoid crowding people, using antiseptic water to wash their hands and wearing masks, especially those in high-risk areas.
And the Belarusians themselves understand the danger. Some companies encourage employees to work from home when possible. Some universities and high schools reduce the number of students who go to school during peak hours and switch to online teaching.
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Reuters
Veterans are honored with music playing outside their Minsk apartment
Many parents do not send their children to school. Belarus is probably the only European country that does not suspend the soccer championship, but the number of people who have seen it has decreased dramatically.
A delegation from the World Health Organization (WHO) in Belarus in April expressed concern over the country’s lack of measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
The EU promised to give Belarus € 60 million to help fight the epidemic, but only if it complies with WHO guidelines.
What do the Russians think?
In other circumstances, the 75th anniversary of the Nazi victory was also celebrated.
Instead, the Russians are ordered to stay home. President Vladimir Putin delivered a televised speech, highlighting the sacrifices of veterans, who “fought for life before death,” and placed flowers at the memorial to the fallen.
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Putin places flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow
The Russian Air Force flew into Red Square and the parade was promised to take place later this year.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he hoped “different measures from Russia and Belarus will not lead to an increase in cases.”
But various measures have caused news from one side to the other.
Belarus accused a Russian television group of spreading false information about the coronavirus in Belarus and stripped the journalist card of correspondent Alexei Kruchinin from Channel 1 and his team of cameramen.
Kruchinin had to leave Belarus. He denied the allegations about himself.
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AFP
Large posters are affordable in Moscow. The parade was planned but was canceled in mid-April.
Epidemiologist Viktor Larichev likened the parade organization to a plague feast. “It is just stupid,” he told Russian radio.
Who will be in the parade?
Honorary positions are generally reserved for veterans, but President Lukashenko says that no one should attend the Nazi Victory Day celebration if they don’t want to.
Very few veterans are still alive. Most of them are over 90 years old and have a very high risk of contracting Covid-19.
A musical stage and a large screen were installed in the center of Minsk with a capacity of hundreds of people. Singer Alexander Solodukha said he would perform social spacing when performing and would not shake hands or interact with other guests.
Lukashenko also invited international guests to attend the celebration, including several Russian parliamentarians and politicians. Russia did not send an official delegation and anyone who attended was present as an individual.
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Reuters
Belarusian troops exercise in Minsk the night before the parade
“I am afraid we will be afraid and we will hide in our homes. Belarus is a living symbol of that war. And I believe that on this day, representatives of all nations may be here.” said the president.
University students and state business personnel are reported to be able to participate voluntarily. But there were also reports that students who received a text message over the phone told them they would receive $ 4 a month later if they were to parade.
What do Belarusians think?
In Belarus, many criticized the parade.
Stanislav Shushkevich, the first leader of Belarus, condemned the idea as “not only ignorant but also evil”, saying that President Lukashenko was motivated by the desire to maintain power and compete with Russia.
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EPA
Army helps disinfect areas around hospital in Minsk
The parade was also criticized by former MP Mechislav Grib. He said it was no different from the Soviet attitude in World War II, “when human life was not taken seriously.”
Former Prime Minister Mikhail Chigir said: “In the United States, do they parade anything and are they weak? I don’t think so.”
The Belarusian leader drew attention to the parade on Saturday, but no one wanted that attention.
