May 9: Victory Day unites Czech Republic and Russia in commemoration of the end of the war

This year's celebrations on 9 May, the anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, will take place in both Czech cities and Russian capitals. While Russia is holding massive national celebrations, the Czech Republic is marking the day with more intimate commemorations - but both countries are united by respect for the victims and historical memory.

Spectacular tributes to heroes

In Russia, where 9 May is one of the most important national holidays, the following main events will take place:

Moscow: Traditional military parade on Red Square with 11,000 soldiers and historical equipment
St. Petersburg: reenactment of the breaking of the city blockade with 5,000 participants
Volgograd (former Stalingrad): wreath-laying ceremony at Mamaev's Tomb with the participation of President Putin
All Russia: 'Immortal Regiment' march, with people carrying photos of fallen ancestors - 12 million people took part last year

"This day is a holiday of family memory for us. Every Russian family has a war hero," says Dmitry Smirnov, organiser of the Immortal Regiment in Ekaterinburg.

Silent commemoration of liberation in the Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, where the official celebrations take place on 8 May, the following important events will take place on 9 May:

Prague: Laying wreaths at the graves of Soviet soldiers at Olšany Cemetery
Ostrava: Exhibition of photographs "Red Army in Ostrava" in the local museum
Pilsen: Concert of Russian and Czech war music in St. Bartholomew's Cathedral
Brno: Lecture of historians on the liberation of Moravia

"We are commemorating all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom - both Western and Eastern allies," says Petr Novák of the Czech Union of Freedom Fighters.

A common message and memory without politics

The historian Miroslav Šiška from Masaryk University emphasizes, "Whether we celebrate 8 or 9 May, the important thing is that we value peace. The war in Europe ended through the joint efforts of all the Allies."

While Russian celebrations are massive and military, Czech celebrations remain more intimate and civilian. However, both nations are united by the desire to pass on the memory of the war victims to the next generation.

Where to go?
In Moscow, watch the show live from 10:00 Moscow time
Ambassadors of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan to attend the commemoration in Prague

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