On May 9, 2025, Vladivostok came alive with celebrations honoring Victory Day, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The day began at the memorial dedicated to the sailors of the merchant fleet who sacrificed their lives during the war. A military parade kicked off the festivities, followed by the revered Immortal Regiment procession, which saw over 15,000 participants this year, according to city authorities.
The impressive procession featured a column of students and cadets carrying a St. George ribbon that measured an astonishing 80 meters in length and covered an area of 640 square meters, showcasing the community's spirit and remembrance.
At Admiral Square, a traditional gathering spot for veterans and their supporters, Governor Oleg Kozhemyako, Commander of the Pacific Fleet Viktor Liina, and Vladivostok Mayor Konstantin Shestakov honored the veterans with warm congratulations. This year was particularly special as Nikolai Moskalko, a participant in the Great Patriotic War, celebrated his 99th birthday. Mayor Shestakov presented him with a commemorative medal in recognition of the 80th anniversary of Victory.
As the day unfolded, the sounds of military songs filled the air, performed by local groups to entertain veterans and guests alike. A field kitchen was set up, offering traditional buckwheat porridge with meat and hot tea to those in attendance.
The main square of Vladivostok was bustling with activity, with celebrations expected to continue late into the evening. A grand fireworks display was scheduled for 22:00 to cap off the day’s events.
The military parade commenced at 10:00, featuring speeches from dignitaries including Governor Kozhemyako, who reminded attendees of the heroism displayed by the Soviet people during the war. “Eighty years have passed since the most terrible war in human history ended. About two hundred thousand Primorians went to the front, and forty thousand did not return from the battlefields. One hundred four of our countrymen were awarded the high title of Hero of the Soviet Union. Mass heroism is part of the Primorsky character,” he stated.
Following the governor's remarks, Admiral Viktor Liina addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of Victory Day as a living memory passed down through generations. “This popular holiday is close and dear to each of us. We bow our heads before the eternal memory of all who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of our Motherland,” he said.
A moment of silence was observed in honor of those who perished during the Great Patriotic War and all veterans who have since passed away. The parade then commenced, opening with students from the Vladivostok branch of the Nakhimov Naval School. Following them were officers from the Pacific Fleet's Higher Naval School, marching in sync with the rhythm set by the young drummers.
Dozens of military units and representatives from various power structures in Primorye took part in the parade, including officers from the Pacific Fleet, students from the Far Eastern Fire and Rescue Academy, and cadets from the Vladivostok branch of the Russian Customs Academy.
The parade also showcased an impressive array of military equipment. Leading the column were the legendary T-34 tanks, which had proven their effectiveness on the battlefields during the Great Patriotic War. Following these were modern models of Russian military technology, including the T-80BV tank, the BTR-82A, and the TIGR-M special-purpose vehicle, along with the Uran-14 multifunctional robotic engineering complex.
After the display of modern military vehicles, the parade featured historical military equipment, allowing residents and guests to see firsthand the weapons that had been instrumental during the war years, such as the Katyusha rocket launchers and the BA-3 armored car.
As the day progressed, a festive program unfolded on the central square, featuring performances by local artists and special guests from the Mangyongdae Palace of Schoolchildren in North Korea, who had traveled specifically for this occasion. The square was also filled with interactive zones for all ages, including an exhibition of trophy military equipment that drew significant attention.
The evening program was set to begin at 19:30, leading up to the highly anticipated fireworks display at 22:10. The event was designed to bring together residents and guests of the city to celebrate and reflect on the sacrifices made during the war.
As the sun set on Vladivostok, the air was filled with anticipation for the evening's festivities, which would culminate in a dazzling fireworks show, lighting up the sky in a tribute to the heroes of the past.
