Russia Holds WWII Victory Military Parade Despite COVID-19 Concerns

On the 24th (local time), soldiers held a parade commemorating the 75th anniversary of the victory in World War II at Red Square in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by AP Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Bo-ryeong] Despite concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), a military parade commemorating the 75th anniversary of the victory in World War II was held in Russia.

According to major foreign media, on the 24th (local time), a large-scale military parade commemorating the 75th anniversary of the victory in World War II took place at Red Square in Moscow, Russia.

Originally, Russia postponed the Victory Day event, which was scheduled for the 9th of last month, due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19. Russia has surpassed 600,000 cumulative confirmed cases.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is attending the 75th Victory Day parade commemorating the end of World War II held on the Red Square in Moscow on the 24th. (Photo by Reuters Yonhap News)

President Vladimir Putin, invited foreign leaders, and elderly war veterans mostly did not wear masks. Soldiers participating in the parade also did not wear masks. The event was attended by Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, among others.

In his commemorative speech, President Putin said, "In 1941, more than 80% of the German and allied forces were concentrated against the Soviet Union, but this ruthless army proved powerless against the unity of the Soviet people," adding, "It was the Soviet people who destroyed over 600 enemy divisions and destroyed more than 75% of the enemy's aircraft, tanks, and artillery."

Following the speech, about 14,000 soldiers marched across the square. Soldiers from 13 countries, including former Soviet states, China, and Mongolia, participated in the parade.

At the square, tanks T-34, which gained fame during World War II, advanced in sequence along with advanced anti-aircraft missiles and short-range tactical missiles. Air force aircraft also performed a parade in the sky.

Meanwhile, Russia has recorded over 606,000 cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.