In a disappointing turn of events, the Mayor of Chelyabinsk, Alexey Loshkin, announced that the city will not pay the contractor responsible for the ill-fated fireworks display on Victory Day, May 9, 2025. The contractor, OOO 'Pirkom', failed to deliver the expected quality of fireworks due to a 45-minute delay, which left many residents dissatisfied. The mayor confirmed that the contract would be terminated and the contractor fined for their shortcomings.
According to Loshkin, the fireworks were scheduled to begin at 22:00, but they did not start until 47 minutes later, resulting in a mere three-minute display instead of the promised fifteen. "We really wanted to conclude Victory Day with a colorful fireworks show. Unfortunately, under heightened security measures, the contractor did not manage to fulfill the task and acknowledged this fact. Until the last moment, we tried to resolve all technical issues, but it was unsuccessful," he stated in his Telegram channel.
Despite the fireworks fiasco, the mayor expressed satisfaction with the overall celebration of Victory Day. He highlighted the successful organization of the main events, which included the Immortal Regiment march, where approximately 200,000 participants carried portraits of their heroic ancestors. This event, according to Loshkin, demonstrated the deep respect Chelyabinsk residents have for the memory of the Great Victory.
The city administration has promised to learn from this incident to prevent similar failures in the future. "We will certainly terminate the contract with the contractor. Naturally, such a fireworks display will not be paid for, and the contractor will be fined," Loshkin reiterated, ensuring that the city would take necessary steps to uphold the standards expected by its residents.
The contract with OOO 'Pirkom' was originally for three events: May 1, May 9, and City Day, totaling 6.9 million rubles. The director and co-owner of the company, Rostislav Shumilov, will face consequences for the mishap, which has drawn criticism from the public and city officials alike.
As residents gathered in various locations across the city, anticipation filled the air as they awaited the fireworks. However, their excitement turned to frustration as the display began late and ended prematurely. Many left before the show even started, leading to disappointment among those who had hoped to witness a grand finale to the day’s celebrations.
In an atmosphere of heightened security, the city had taken precautions to ensure safety during the events, but these measures did not translate into the successful execution of the fireworks display. The mayor acknowledged the challenges faced by the contractor but emphasized the need for accountability in such public displays.
While the fireworks may have been a letdown, the rest of the day was marked by heartfelt celebrations and community spirit. Veterans received personal greetings, and many attended the parade held in Revolution Square. Organizers reported that the overall festivities were well-received, with hundreds of thousands of citizens participating in various activities throughout the day.
Loshkin's comments reflect a commitment to honoring the legacy of those who fought in World War II while ensuring that future events meet the expectations of the public. The mayor's proactive stance in addressing the fireworks issue demonstrates a desire to maintain the integrity of the city's celebrations.
In a related note, celebrations in St. Petersburg also captured attention when a cavalry policeman publicly proposed to his colleague at the iconic St. Isaac's Square during the festivities. The emotional moment was met with applause from both fellow officers and bystanders, showcasing the spirit of love and unity that accompanied the commemorations.
Ultimately, the Chelyabinsk administration’s response to the fireworks debacle highlights the importance of reliability and quality in public services. As the city moves forward, it aims to ensure that such incidents do not mar future celebrations of historical significance.
As Chelyabinsk reflects on this year’s Victory Day, the lessons learned will undoubtedly shape how the city approaches future events, ensuring that they honor the sacrifices made by past generations while delivering memorable experiences for current and future citizens.
