President Vladimir Putin is expected to make a highly-anticipated speech on developments in the country’s war against Ukraine as Russia celebrates the 77th anniversary of the Soviet’s victory over Hitler’s Germany.
A military parade began on Moscow’s Red Square to mark the occasion, on Monday, with thousands of soldiers participating.
As part of the celebration, tanks and other military equipment would be on display.
Eight fighter jets are to form the letter “Z’’ in the sky, which is the official symbol of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine.
The “Z’’ stands for the Russian phrase “za pobedu,’’ or “for victory.’’
The Kremlin refers to its invasion of Ukraine, which began on Feb. 24, as a special military operation.
There has been a speculation that Putin could order general or partial mobilisation of soldiers on Monday, but the Kremlin has described this as “nonsense.’’
Unlike in previous years, this time, no foreign head of state will be a guest at the parade marking, known as Victory Day in Russia.
This is following widespread condemnation, in the West, of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
On Sunday, leaders of the G7 group of industrialised nations announced they were imposing new sanctions on Russia.
According to the U.S. Government, the punitive measures target, among other areas, Russia’s energy sector.
On the ground in eastern Ukraine, people are waiting for more news from Bilogorivka, where authorities said up to 60 people could be dead after a Russian airstrike on a school.
Russian troops were reported to be gaining ground in the eastern areas of Luhansk and Donetsk.
Russia has refocused its attacks since failing to make advances near the capital, Kiev, and in some other parts of Ukraine.
NAN
