Putin announces June 24 date for 75th-anniversary Victory Day Parade

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the parade to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Victory in World War II will take place on June 24.

In his instructions to Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, Putin called for ensuring strict security measures, in order to minimize possible risks.

Putin also announced that the traditional “Immortal Regiment” march, as well as Russia’s naval parade, will take place on July 26. However, he emphasized that the “Immortal Regiment” march could be postponed for another month, if the spread of the coronavirus still poses a threat.

This year, Russia’s Victory Day parade, which usually takes place on May 9, was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, airshows took place in 47 Russian cities.

According to data from the investigative outlet Proekt, more than 300 cadets and officers who participated in rehearsals in preparation for the Victory Day parade contracted COVID-19.