24-06-20, 12:43
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Russia Holds WW2 Victory Parade 75 Years After Defeating NAZIS
Russia Holds WW2 Victory Parade 75 Years After Defeating Nazi Germany
BBC / The Sun 24 Jun 2020
Russia held a WW2 victory parade in Moscow, celebrating 75 years since the defeat of Nazi Germany by the Allies. 20 million Soviet lives were lost throughout the second world war.
The original ceremony was meant to take place on 9th May, however, due to concerns over coronavirus the celebration was delayed.
President Vladimir Putin reluctantly postponed the big annual celebration because of the coronavirus pandemic.
But it was rescheduled ahead of a key constitutional vote, which could allow him a further two terms in power.
Moscow's lockdown eased this month, but mass gatherings technically remain banned. Soldiers taking part had to go into quarantine ahead of the parade.
The number of confirmed cases in Russia rose above 600,000 on Wednesday, with another 7,176 new infections reported over the previous 24 hours.
This is, however, lower than in May, when the country reported more than 10,000 new cases a day for more than a week.
Why Hold The Parade Now?
This year's event is special for President Putin because in a week's time Russia will hold a nationwide vote on constitutional amendments that are expected to pave the way for him to stay in power beyond 2024, when his current term expires.
The annual parade in Red Square is always an occasion for Mr Putin to harness Russian patriotic feelings, in a way reminiscent of Soviet times.
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