On May 8th, the USA and most European nations celebrate the victory over Nazi Germany in WWII. While news of the German surrender reached the streets of London, Paris, and New York on May 8th, 1945, because the surrender documents were signed so late on the night of the 8th, it was already the 9th in Moscow.
Without the heavy sacrifices of American and British soldiers in Europe, the North Atlantic, and Africa as well as localized underground resistance in Europe, the Nazis may have won the war. But, let us not forget that Russia also played a huge part in not only stemming the tide of the German advance, but beating them back as well, particularly on the Eastern Front. The Soviet Union suffered over 20 million civilian and military casualties during the WWII.
May 9th is not only a chance for Russia to commemorate the sacrifices made 70 years ago, but also an opportunity to display its mighty military capabilities. This year’s Victory Parade in Moscow is expected to be the largest military V-Day parade ever held. The Russian Defense Ministry says about 16,500 servicemen, almost 200 units of military vehicles and some 140 helicopters and planes will participate in the celebration. New weapons systems, including main battle tanks, armored personnel carriers, self-propelled artillery systems and anti-tank missile systems will also be showcased.
Other highlights include:
- Bumerang armored personnel carrier
- Kurganets-25 infantry fighting vehicle
- 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV self-propelled howitzer
- Ural Typhoon MRAP explosion-proof vehicle
- BTR-82AM Naval Infantry armored personnel carrier
- K-300P Bastion-P mobile coastal defense missile launcher
- The brand new Crimean Wings (Krilya Tavrida) aerobatic team with 4 Yakovlev Yak-130s
- Sukhoi Su-30 and Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets
It is also reported that the T-15 Armata tank, which is an advanced next-generation prototype similar to the T-14, will also make an appearance in the parade.
More V-Day articles of interest
Don’t forget how the Soviet Union saved the world from Hitler
Five facts to know about Russia’s V-Day parades
Moscow V-Day Celebrations to Be Biggest Russian Military Parade Ever Held
Russia also has its Victory Day – but nobody else wants to share it
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