Parade celebrating 80th anniversary of Victory Day in Russia
Today (May 9), all over Russia celebrates the 80th anniversary of Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War, with the highlight of the event being the Military Parade on Red Square and fireworks display.
The parade on Red Square will begin at 10:00 a.m. on May 9, Moscow time (2:00 p.m. on May 9, Vietnam time) and is expected to last for 2 hours.
Traditionally, the parade program on Red Square will include: the procession of the Russian flag and the Victory Banner to Red Square; President Vladimir Putin's speech; a minute of silence for soldiers who died in the Great Patriotic War; the forces participating in the parade and a spectacular display of modern ground combat vehicles, which are in the equipment of the Russian Army.
The contingent taking part in the parade on Red Square includes Russian servicemen as well as military personnel from countries with friendly relations with Russia. Among the list of 13 foreign military delegations participating in this important event is the Vietnam People's Army delegation.
Events in the series of celebrations for Victory Day have begun in the far eastern regions of Russia - Kamchatka and Chukotka.
"A drum corps from cadets of the Kamchatka State Technical University opened the festive event for the first time, followed by an honor guard. In total, about 1,100 servicemen of the Combined Command of the Army and Forces in the North-East of Russia, as well as employees of the Border Service of the FSB of Russia in charge of the Eastern Arctic Region, the National Guard of Russia, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, female servicemen and others marched in ceremonial formation. In addition, for the first time this year, young Cossacks from among the students of specialized classes marched together with their senior comrades," said the military authorities in Kamchatka.
* TASS special correspondent and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexei Zubritsky sends congratulations on Victory Day from the ISS space station.
"Participants of the special military operation are fighting for the future of Russia, continuing the heroic traditions of courage and honor of the veterans of the Great Patriotic War," said correspondent Zubritsky.
Sending his greetings to all Russians on the occasion of the great holiday, Zubritsky said: "Let the joy of Victory ring in every home. Let our hearts be filled with pride in a powerful and invincible country. Happy Victory Day!"
* Russian Foreign Ministry official spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that by inviting world leaders to attend the parade, Russia wants them to share joy with the Russian people and country on this sacred and important holiday.