A participant sheds tears during the "Immortal Regiment" parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Vladivostok, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua)
ST. PETERSBURG, May 9 (Xinhua) -- Russia's second-largest city St. Petersburg marked the 80th anniversary of victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War with a wide range of events across the city on Friday.
A solemn military parade on Palace Square kicked off the day's celebrations. More than 5,000 troops from the St. Petersburg garrison marched across Palace Square, representing all branches of the Russian Armed Forces. The parade also featured over 100 pieces of modern military equipment.
Other highlights of the day included a retro vehicle rally with war veterans and the Immortal Regiment march along the Nevsky Prospect, where people carried portraits of relatives who took part in the Great Patriotic War. According to city authorities, the Immortal Regiment march drew around 1.1 million people.
St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov addressed residents with a video speech, saying that the veterans had proven that even the most formidable force cannot defeat those who fight for their homeland, for truth, and for freedom.
"Victory Day is a special holiday for our city, a Hero City," Beglov said. "The besieged Leningrad, which never surrendered to the enemy, inspired the nation with the courage of its defenders and residents. It gave strength to Red Army soldiers. We bow our heads and offer our deepest gratitude to all who brought closer the bright day of May 9, 1945."
More than 300 events are planned throughout the city in May to commemorate the anniversary, including exhibitions, concerts, and festivals dedicated to the memory of World War II. ■
A participant sheds tears during the "Immortal Regiment" parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Vladivostok, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Photo by Guo Feizhou/Xinhua)