Putin Shows Military Might at WWII Parade Ahead of Key Vote

Russian leader marks 75th victory anniversary delayed by virus
Parade takes place before July 1 vote on changing constitution

TOS-1A Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower systems make their way along a street during the victory day parade in Moscow, June 24.Photographer: Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg

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By Henry Meyer and Stepan Kravchenko

June 24, 2020 at 4:00 AM UTC

Updated on

June 24, 2020 at 9:25 AM UTC

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President Vladimir Putin put Russia’s military strength on display Wednesday in a parade to mark the 75th anniversary of the World War II defeat of Nazi Germany, braving the coronavirus pandemic ahead of a referendum that may allow him to rule until 2036.

The spread of the virus forced Putin to delay his annual May 9 Victory Day celebration on Moscow’s Red Square, which this year featured 14,000 troops and weaponry including tanks, air-defense systems and nuclear-missile launchers, as well as a fly-past by Russia’s air force. Several invited leaders stayed away because of the continuing threat from Covid-19.