On May 9, 2025, Moscow commemorated the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War with grand celebrations, including a military parade on Red Square attended by over 20 world leaders, such as Chinese President Xi Jinping and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. The day was marked by a heavy presence of state symbolism, with streets adorned with stylized images of the "Motherland Calls" monument, St. George ribbons, and photographs of Soviet soldiers. As the city immersed itself in patriotic fervor, many locals gathered to celebrate at Poklonnaya Gora, a park established for the 50th anniversary of Victory.
In the hours leading up to the parade, Moscow experienced a notable disruption: mobile internet services were suspended, leaving many residents disconnected during the festivities. Despite this setback, the atmosphere remained vibrant as patriotic concerts filled local parks. A correspondent from the independent journalism cooperative "Bereh" visited the Victory Park on Poklonnaya Gora to capture the essence of how Muscovites marked this significant day.
As the sun rose on May 9, Moscow was enveloped in state symbols designed to honor the 80th anniversary of Victory. The city’s streets were decorated with images of the "Motherland Calls" monument, St. George ribbons, and photographs of Soviet soldiers. Digital billboards ceased advertising, displaying instead black-and-white portraits of front-line soldiers with the inscription "We are proud of the victory! 1945–2025." This was reminiscent of a previous occasion in March 2024, when advertisements were replaced with tributes to victims of a terrorist attack at the "Crocus City Hall."
At the "Arbat" metro station, a woman wearing a St. George ribbon and clutching a bouquet of carnations anxiously paced the platform, waiting for a train. Nearby, a young boy held a Soviet flag and a pilotka hat, both eager to reach Red Square, though they faced station closures that made their journey challenging. As they finally boarded a train, the mother found reassurance in a message on her phone, indicating they could exit at "Smolenskaya" and walk from there.
At 10 a.m., screens at metro stations began broadcasting the parade silently. As the train approached the "Park Pobedy" station, a crowd gathered around a screen, many praising the decision to air the parade in the metro. Among them were teenagers adorned with St. George ribbons and balloons, eagerly awaiting the day’s events.
As the parade commenced, Moscow’s Mayor Sergey Sobyanin delivered a congratulatory message to veterans and residents, subtly referencing Russia's ongoing military actions without naming them directly. He stated that "today, Russia is once again fighting for freedom, goodness, and justice." The mood was one of pride and remembrance, as crowds flocked to the streets to honor those who fought in the war.
In the park, a woman shared with "Bereh" that she had participated online in the "Immortal Regiment" initiative, sending a photo of her great-grandfather to the organizers. However, feeling a surge of pride, she brought a poster with her to the park to honor his memory in person. As the crowds gathered, the atmosphere was filled with a mixture of celebration and solemn remembrance.
By midday, flowers, particularly red carnations, were laid at the foot of monuments and memorials throughout the park. A retired woman, adorned with several medals, sat nearby, recalling her experiences during the war. She described working in a hospital at the age of 12, washing bandages and barely getting any sleep. When asked if the government provided her with assistance, she simply shook her head, saying, "Only my pension."
As the day progressed, the events at Poklonnaya Gora included performances by children reciting war poems and laying flowers at the Eternal Flame. A young boy recited Mikhail Isakovsky's poem "Here Lies a Red Army Soldier," while onlookers recorded the moment on their phones. The atmosphere was a blend of nostalgia and pride, with many participants expressing their gratitude for the sacrifices made by previous generations.
However, the celebrations were not without their tensions. In Berlin's Treptow Park, where the most famous memorial to Soviet soldiers stands, the atmosphere was heavily monitored by police due to the political sensitivities surrounding the day. Soviet and Russian flags, military uniforms, and St. George ribbons were banned from display, except for veterans and diplomats. Russian Ambassador to Germany Sergei Nechaev laid a wreath at the memorial, while German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier criticized Russia's attempts to justify its current actions in Ukraine by invoking the legacy of WWII.
Despite the restrictions, thousands attended the memorial, many carrying red carnations and wreaths. Among the crowd were elderly emigrants from the former USSR and Germans, alongside left-wing politicians advocating for peace. The event was a mix of traditional remembrance and political expression, with some activists holding signs to highlight the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In Tomsk, residents also celebrated Victory Day with additional public transport arranged to return them home after the festive salute. Buses, trolleybuses, and trams operated on regular routes and evening fares, ensuring that everyone could partake in the celebrations without hassle.
As the day drew to a close, the celebrations across Moscow, Tomsk, and Berlin reflected the complexities of memory and identity associated with May 9. While some commemorated the sacrifices of the past, others highlighted the ongoing struggles that continue to shape the present. The events served as a reminder of the enduring impact of history on contemporary society, leaving many to ponder the true meaning of victory and remembrance.
