Stadium rally in support of invading Ukraine begins in Moscow. Putin is expected to speak.
A patriotic rally whose motto is “Glory to the defenders of our Fatherland!” is beginning in Moscow. TASS is running a live broadcast of the event.
Moscow authorities had planned to bring in 200,000 attendees to commemorate the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but 45 minutes before the start the stadium was still half-full, writes an independent outlet.
The scene abounds in patriotic symbols: three-color Russian state flags, Soviet coats of arms, military flags, and slogans. Curiously, there aren’t any “Z”-shaped embellishments in sight, even though the letter has been the main emblem of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Earlier, Telegram and VKontakte users have noticed posts offering volunteers 500 rubles (or just under $7) to attend the rally. People interested in the gig were told not to speak with the press, and to keep quiet about getting paid (as reported by Verstka and another independent news outlet).
President Vladimir Putin is expected to speak at the event.