Russian troops have begun rehearsals for their Victory Day parade to mark the 75th anniversary of the Nazis’ surrender.
The parade marking the 1945 defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II is still set to go ahead next month amid the global coronavirus pandemic but officials have admitted that ‘it may well be moved to a later date’.
Coronavirus has infected more than 21,000 and killed 170 in Russia while its capital Moscow remains under strict lockdown.
Tanks were driven down the streets of Yekaterinburg in preparation today with troops – clad in protective face masks – marching alongside them.
Russian troops have begun rehearsals for their Victory Day parade to mark the 75th anniversary of the Nazis’ surrender
Tanks were driven down the road in Yekaterinburg, Russia, as part of rehearsals for the parade marking the 1945 defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II
The parade – rehearsals pictured today – is still set to go ahead next month amid the global coronavirus pandemic but officials have admitted that ‘it may well be moved to a later date’
Troops donned face masks for the rehearsal to protect themselves from coronavirus which has infected more than 21,000 and killed 170 in Russia
The parade being rehearsed today (pictured) is usually held in Moscow in May. But the city remains under strict lockdown to slow the spread of coronavirus
While much of the world celebrates the signing of German Instrument of Surrender on May 8th, Russia traditionally celebrates it on May 9 as it was signed after midnight in Moscow time.
But officials have said celebrations could be postponed in a bid to enforce social distancing rules at the hugely-popular parade, Russia Today reports.
Officials are also considering holding the parade without veterans – who gather wearing their medals every year – as they are more susceptible to the bug.
Tanks were driven down the streets of Yekaterinburg in preparation today with troops – clad in protective face masks – marching alongside them
The parade in 2019 gathered enormous crowds (pictured) sparking fears that social distancing measures could not be enforced if it went ahead this year
Victory Day has become the most important holiday on the country’s calendar with world leaders invited to Moscow for this year’s historic celebration.
Every year, thousands gather including many elderly veterans proudly wearing their medals.
Military units have started rehearsals in Yekaterinburg for the traditional Red Square parade and leaders such as France’s Emmanuel Macron and India’s Narendra Modi had promised to attend.
While much of the world celebrates the signing of German Instrument of Surrender on May 8th, Russia traditionally celebrates it on May 9 as it was signed after midnight in Moscow time. Pictured: Rehearsals for the parade in Yekaterinburg today
Officials have said celebrations could be postponed in a bid to enforce social distancing rules at the hugely-popular parade. Pictured: Troops wear face masks at the rehearsal today
Officials are also considering holding the parade without veterans – who gather wearing their medals every year – as they are most susceptible to the bug. Pictured: A serviceman salutes during the rehearsal today
Victory Day has become the most important holiday on the country’s calendar with world leaders invited to Moscow for this year’s historic celebration being rehearsed today (pictured)
Dozens of tanks were rolled out in the streets of Yekaterinburg as part of rehearsals for the military parade supposed to go ahead next month
Every year, thousands gather for the parade (rehearsals pictured today) including many elderly veterans proudly wearing their medals
It would seem impossible to have such a gala now, with much of Russia and the world locked down to stop the spread of the virus. But rehearsals for the parade were still going ahead
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said last week no decision has been made on whether to postpone it but authorities are considering ‘options,’ one of which is to hold it without the veterans, a group especially vulnerable to the virus. Pictured: Military vehicles were driven down the street as practise today
Children gathered to watch the enormous tanks drive past them as part of rehearsals for the Victory Day parade
A boy wearing a face mask watches as the battle takes make their way past him on the streets of Yekaterinburg, Russia
It would seem impossible to have such a gala now, with much of Russia and the world locked down to stop the spread of the virus.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said last week no decision has been made on whether to postpone it but authorities are considering ‘options,’ one of which is to hold it without the veterans, a group especially vulnerable to the virus.
Peskov added the Kremlin would understand if foreign leaders decided not to come due to the pandemic and added the celebration would take place even if it doesn’t happen on May 9.
A Russian serviceman drove a motorcycle down the road ahead of the rehearsal for the Victory Day parade in Yekaterinburg
The parade is traditionally an opportunity for Russia to show off its military might to the world who can watch the gala live