Russia's annual Victory Day parade, held on May 9th to commemorate the Allied victory in World War II on the Eastern Front, drew large crowds of people from all over the country. This year's parade was particularly significant as it marked the 72nd anniversary of Nazi Germany's capitulation in 1945.

The parade was led by Russia's President Vladimir Putin, who inspected the troops before delivering his holiday address to the nation. The event also saw the presence of other high-ranking officials, including Moldova's President Igor Dodon, who confirmed that he would be attending the parade during a meeting with Putin earlier in the day.

The military parade featured various units from the Russian Armed Forces, including naval cadets from the Pacific Naval Military Institute 'Admiral Stepan Makarov'. The event also included a flypast segment, although it was cancelled for the first time since 2008 due to bad weather. Despite this, the crowd remained enthusiastic and patriotic, waving flags and chanting slogans in support of Russia's military.

For many Russians, Victory Day is an important national holiday that serves as a reminder of their country's sacrifices during World War II. The parade is seen as a way to honor those who fought and died for their country, as well as to promote patriotism and national pride.

The 2016 Russian Defence Ministry Tupolev Tu-154 crash was still fresh in the minds of many Russians this year, with Lieutenant General Valery Khalilov, the former Senior Director of Music, having lost his life in the tragedy. This year's parade marked a significant milestone for the Military Band Service of the Armed Forces of Russia, with Colonel Timofey Mayakin taking over as its new Senior Director of Music.

Overall, this year's Victory Day parade was a grand celebration that brought together people from all walks of life to commemorate an important chapter in Russian history. With its vibrant atmosphere and patriotic spirit, it was an event that will be remembered for years to come.

Russia victory day crowd 2016