On May 9, 2025, the Rostov region will witness a significant display of patriotism and remembrance as more than 300 members of the Young Army participate in parades commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The parades, set to take place in Rostov-on-Don and Novocherkassk, will feature a vibrant mix of youth and military tradition, showcasing the commitment of the younger generation to honor their forebears who fought in the war.
Nikolai Ponomarenko, head of the regional headquarters of the Young Army, shared details during the telethon "Victory Day on the Don" aired on DON 24. He stated, "We have two parade teams. One consists of 100 girls and 100 boys participating in Rostov-on-Don, while another team with 145 members will march in Novocherkassk." The enthusiasm among the youth is palpable, with Ponomarenko noting that the Young Army currently boasts over 60,000 members in the Rostov region.
Meanwhile, in Novocherkassk, the military parade will be a focal point of the celebrations. The event will be conducted under the watchful eye of Ruslan Goryachkin, the acting commander of the 8th Combined Arms Army of the Southern Military District, and commanded by Sergei Savenkov, the commander of the 133rd Brigade. The historical aspect of the parade will be highlighted by the presence of banner groups carrying the combat banners of the 8th Combined Arms Army and the 150th Rifle Division, among others.
As the parade unfolds, military personnel from the 150th Guards Motorized Rifle Idritsa-Berlin Division will don uniforms reminiscent of the Great Patriotic War, while showcasing a ceremonial march alongside the 133rd Brigade. This event is not just a display of military might but also a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the war.
On the streets of Novocherkassk, military equipment will traverse Platonovsky Prospekt, featuring advanced tanks like the T-90M 'Proryv' and T-72B3, alongside armored personnel carriers and various artillery pieces. The parade is expected to attract hundreds of spectators, including local residents and veterans of the Great Patriotic War, who will gather to pay their respects and celebrate this significant anniversary.
In Kazan, Rustam Minnikhanov, the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan, marked the occasion by visiting Victory Park ahead of the Victory Day parade on May 9, 2025. He laid flowers at the Eternal Flame of the Glory Memorial, honoring the memory of fallen soldiers. The ceremony was attended by notable figures including Mintimer Shaimiev, the State Counselor of Tatarstan, Farid Mukhametshin, Chairman of the State Council, Prime Minister Alexey Pesoshin, and Kazan Mayor Ilsur Metshin.
During the ceremony, the attendees observed a minute of silence after laying flowers at the Eternal Flame, which was followed by the playing of the national anthems of Russia and Tatarstan. A company of honor guards from the Kazan garrison also participated in the proceedings, adding to the solemnity of the occasion.
Representatives from the Kazan Aviation Plant and the Kazan Helicopter Plant took the opportunity to share insights into the history of the legendary aircraft and helicopters showcased in Victory Park. The ceremony also included the laying of flowers at the Monument to Mothers and Widows of Fallen Soldiers and the Monument to the Soviet Soldier, further emphasizing the theme of remembrance.
Minnikhanov also greeted veterans of the Russian Navy and members of the Marine Assembly of the RT, who gathered near the K-403 Kazan submarine in Victory Park, celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory. This gathering served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served in the military and the importance of honoring their legacy.
As the day progressed, both cities prepared for their respective parades, with Minnikhanov and Shaimiev arriving at Thousandth Anniversary Square in a Pobeda car, ready to participate in the ceremonial procession of the Kazan garrison.
However, not all celebrations were without incident. In Ivangorod, as St. Petersburg finalized preparations for its own parade, a vandalism incident marred the day. A rapid response team inspected the T-34 tank monument after graffiti was discovered on its pedestal. The inscriptions, which were deemed offensive, were reported to the police by border guards who noticed the defacement. Investigators quickly arrived at the scene, where they found that someone had used black paint to leave three inscriptions on the monument.
The T-34 tank, a replica of the original removed by Estonian authorities in Narva, was installed in September 2022 as a tribute to the war effort. This particular tank has a storied history, having participated in numerous Victory Day parades on Red Square in Moscow, with its last appearance on May 9, 1985.
As the investigation unfolds, a criminal case of vandalism has been opened, and authorities are actively searching for the suspect responsible for the defacement of this significant memorial. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges of preserving historical monuments and the respect they command.
As the celebrations continue across the nation, the spirit of remembrance and honor prevails, with communities coming together to reflect on the sacrifices made during the Great Patriotic War and to celebrate the enduring legacy of those who fought for their country.
