On May 9, 2025, Russia commemorates the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, a significant occasion marking the triumph of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War. In a nationwide display of remembrance and celebration, Minister of Defense Andrey Belousov has ordered festive salutes to take place across various cities, including Rostov-on-Don, Moscow, and St. Petersburg.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Defense, the salutes will commence at 22:00 local time, featuring 30 volleys of blank rounds from artillery guns accompanied by fireworks. This grand display will honor the sacrifices made during the war and is expected to draw significant public attendance. The festivities will unfold not only in the capital but also in cities recognized as heroes of the war, such as Volgograd, Murmansk, Novorossiysk, Smolensk, and Tula.
In Rostov-on-Don, where the Southern Military District is headquartered, the salute is particularly poignant. The city has a rich military history, and the local population is keen to participate in the celebrations. The order from Belousov reflects a broader effort to engage citizens in remembering the sacrifices of their ancestors. “In honor of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945, I order the festive salutes to be conducted on May 9, 2025,” the minister stated.
While many cities are preparing for the celebrations, some regions have opted to cancel their salutes due to security concerns. In areas adjacent to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, local authorities have deemed it necessary to forgo fireworks displays. For instance, the head of the Republic of Crimea, Sergey Aksyonov, announced that there would be no salutes in Crimea or Sevastopol, citing heightened security risks. Similar decisions have been made in the Lipetsk region, Stavropol Territory, and the city of Yekaterinburg, where safety concerns following drone attacks have prompted the cancellation of festivities.
In Yekaterinburg, the second salute scheduled for May 9 was called off after an attack by drones raised alarms about public safety. The local government also announced restrictions on the sale of alcohol in certain areas to maintain order during the day of remembrance. In Ufa and Kulebaki, the authorities have taken similar measures, opting to prioritize the safety of citizens over traditional celebrations.
Despite these cancellations, cities like St. Petersburg are gearing up for a spectacular display. The salute in St. Petersburg will take place at the historic Peter and Paul Fortress, a site steeped in the city’s rich history. As in previous years, the event will be broadcast live, allowing those unable to attend in person to witness the spectacle. The city’s residents and visitors can expect a vibrant atmosphere, with festivities culminating in the evening salute over the Neva River.
In Chita, celebrations are also underway, with events kicking off with a program titled “Dawn of Victory” at the Sukhotino ethno-archaeological park. The Minister of Culture of Transbaikalia, Alena Yachmeneva, reported that over a thousand people attended the opening event, setting the tone for a day filled with community activities and remembrance.
Traffic in central Chita has been adjusted to accommodate the celebrations, with trolleybus services suspended in the city center until the afternoon. The weather is expected to be pleasant, with temperatures reaching up to 21 degrees Celsius, ideal for outdoor festivities. The day will feature a military parade and the “Immortal Regiment” procession, where citizens honor their ancestors who fought in the war.
As the nation prepares for this significant day, the emphasis on remembering the past and honoring those who served remains a central theme. Officials like Vladimir Gurba, the Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Southern Federal District, have spoken about the importance of preserving the memory of the Great Patriotic War. Gurba emphasized the need for families to understand their own histories, stating, “It is essential that every person in each family knows the history of their family. This is where the great story of the Great Patriotic War begins.”
In light of recent events and the ongoing conflict, the celebrations this year carry a dual significance. They serve not only as a remembrance of past sacrifices but also as a reflection of present struggles. As Gurba noted, today’s soldiers face challenges reminiscent of those encountered during World War II, fighting against what he described as a new form of Nazism.
As the clock strikes 22:00 on May 9, the skies over Russia will light up with fireworks, a symbol of resilience and remembrance. Communities across the nation will gather to celebrate, reflect, and honor the legacy of those who fought for their country. The salutes are more than just a display of pyrotechnics; they are a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom and peace.
In conclusion, the 80th anniversary of Victory Day will see a blend of celebration and solemn remembrance across Russia. While some regions face challenges that prevent traditional festivities, the spirit of unity and honor remains strong as the nation reflects on its history and the sacrifices that shaped its future.
