On May 9, 2026, a military parade took place on Red Square in Moscow in honor of the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945. The President of Russia – Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation – Vladimir Putin attended the parade, joining foreign delegation leaders on the podium.
The parade began with the carrying out of the Russian State Flag and the Victory Banner onto Red Square. The parade was received by Minister of Defense Andrei Belousov, and commanded by the Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces, Hero of Russia Colonel-General Andrei Mordvichev.
Фото: скриншот видео http://www.kremlin.ru/
The infantry column included servicemen from higher military educational institutions of all branches and individual combat arms of the Russian Armed Forces, participants of the special military operation, as well as a ceremonial contingent of the Korean People’s Army.
During the aerial portion, the famous “Kubinsky Brilliant” – a diamond formation of Su-30 and MiG-29 aircraft from the aerobatic teams “Russian Knights” and “Swifts” – flew over Red Square. The parade formation was closed by Su-25 attack aircraft, painting the sky with the colors of the Russian State Flag. Musical accompaniment was provided by the combined orchestra of the Moscow Garrison.
Address by the President of Russia
Addressing veterans, servicemen, and guests, Vladimir Putin congratulated the country on “our sacred, bright, and most important holiday.” He emphasized that May 9 is celebrated with feelings of pride and love for the Motherland, with an understanding of our common duty to defend the country’s interests and future, and with sincere filial gratitude to the great generation of victors.
“Preserving the memory of the events of the Great Patriotic War, its true history, and its real heroes is a matter of honor for us,” the head of state stated.
Putin recalled that it was the Soviet people who made the decisive contribution to the defeat of Nazism, saved their country and the world, put an end to “total, merciless evil.” He noted that the Nazis planned to seize the country, destroy its culture, and commit genocide against the entire multi-ethnic Soviet people, but they encountered “the Russian character and strength of spirit.”
The President called for a minute of silence to honor those who fell in battle, those tortured in occupation and captivity, those who died of hunger in besieged Leningrad and other cities. After the minute of silence, he declared that the feat of the victorious generation inspires the soldiers carrying out the tasks of the special military operation today.
“They confront an aggressive force that is armed and supported by the entire NATO bloc. Despite this, our heroes are moving forward,” Putin said.
The head of state stressed the unity of front and rear: “The destiny of the country is shaped by people – fighters and factory workers, rural workers, gunsmiths and war correspondents, doctors and teachers, cultural figures and clergy, volunteers, entrepreneurs, philanthropists – all citizens of Russia!”
“I am firmly convinced that our cause is just! We are together! Victory has always been and always will be with us!” Vladimir Putin concluded his speech.
The parade ended with a threefold “Hurrah!” in honor of Victory Day.
Фото: скриншот видео http://www.kremlin.ru/
Material used from the official Kremlin website:
http://www.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/79708
