JAKARTA - Russia will hold a commemoration of Nazi Victory Day in World War II on Tuesday, with its security-strict parade on Red Square, following a series of drone strikes, including at the Kremlin's own stronghold, which Moscow accuses of being carried out by Ukraine.
Victory day is one of Russia's most important public holidays, as people commemorate the great sacrifices made by the Soviet Union during the so-called 1941-45 Great Patriotic War, where about 27 million people died.
The warning this time is even more emotional, as Russia mourns thousands of soldiers who have died in the war for nearly 15 months in Ukraine, who have yet to show signs of ending.
President Vladimir Putin, defense minister, and other senior officials are expected to inspect the Red Square parade, which typically includes tanks, intercontinental missile launchers to troop defiles.
However, due to growing security concerns partly caused by drone strikes, authorities have canceled traditional parades.
There were also reports that the number of military soldiers and hardware participating in this year's parade was less because the Ukraine conflict claimed many lives and equipment.
In addition, authorities across the country have canceled the "Independent Resimen" procession, in which people carry portraits of relatives fighting against the Nazis.
Asked on Monday about the cancellation of several Victory Day events, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov blamed Ukraine.
"When we have to deal with a country that de facto is a sponsor of terrorism, then it's better to take precautions," he said.
In an interview on Channel One television, Peskov said the Russian government took every possible step to ensure security during the Victory Day parade on May 9.
"All necessary steps are being taken to ensure security, especially when foreign guests, our heads of state will attend. Everything that is required by law is being carried out for it," Peskov said, citing TASS.
In addition, a Kremlin spokesman also confirmed several leaders of the former Soviet Union leaders who are members of the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) will attend the parade as guests.
"We do expect some CIS heads of state, who will share this holiday with us. This is about the solidarity of the heads of state, whose people, as part of one country, participate in the Great Patriotic War and win," Peskov said.
He underlined the importance of Victory Day for all those involved in winning over fascism.
"We must not forget May 9. May 9 is a sacred day for all countries that have been part of the Soviet Union, countries that sacrificed so many of their citizens' lives to free the world from fascism," he stressed.
In a separate statement to Rossiya-1 television, Peskov said leaders of CIS countries, who arrived in Moscow to celebrate Victory Day, would join President Putin to watch a parade from the stands on Red Square.
Heads of state will then put flowers and breakfast together, he said in the program "Moscow, Kremlin, Putin."
"The parade itself will begin at 10 am. The President will make a speech. The heads of state (from CIS) will join him in the stands. We are sure this will be followed by the laying of a joint wreath at the Tomb of Unknown Soldiers," he said.
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