Kazan’s Millennium Square hosted a grand military parade by the Kazan garrison in honor of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The event drew high-profile attendees, including Rais of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, State Counselor and Hero of Labor of the Russian Federation Mintimer Shaimiev, Chairman of the State Council Farid Mukhametshin, Prime Minister Aleksey Pesoshin, Kazan Mayor Ilsur Metshin, and veterans.
As tradition holds, the national flags of Russia and Tatarstan, along with the Victory Banner, were ceremoniously carried into the square. A live broadcast from Red Square in Moscow followed, where Russian President and Supreme Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Putin addressed the nation.
“Today we are united in feelings of pride, sorrow, and deep gratitude,” President Putin said. “We honor the generation that defeated Nazism and, at great cost, won peace for all humanity. We carry this memory with reverence, and celebrate May 9 as the most important day in our national calendar—a day that belongs to every family, to each of us. Our ancestors saved the Fatherland and entrusted us with the duty to protect our country, to preserve our history, our values, and all that we hold sacred.”
The President then called for a moment of silence in memory of those who gave their lives during the war.
Following this, Tatarstan's leader Rustam Minnikhanov gave a heartfelt speech to the crowd:
“Dear veterans, soldiers of the Kazan garrison, parade participants, and fellow citizens of Tatarstan, I warmly congratulate you on this historic milestone — the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
May 9 is more than a holiday — it is a symbol of our unity and strength as a multiethnic nation. The war left a lasting mark on every Soviet family. From Tatarstan alone, 700,000 people went to the front, and half of them never returned.
Our republic played a vital role behind the lines. Women, children, and the elderly worked around the clock in factories and fields, ensuring our troops had everything they needed to achieve victory. The bravery of our soldiers and the tireless efforts of those on the home front were decisive in the outcome of the war. We will never forget the courage and sacrifice of the generation that brought us peace.
Today, as our soldiers serve during the special military operation, they carry forward the legacy of their grandfathers — showing the same resilience and dedication in defending Russia’s sovereignty. We believe victory will be ours again.
This year has been declared the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland — a tribute to both the heroes of the past and those who protect our country today.
Dear veterans, home front workers, and fellow citizens — on this day of remembrance and pride, I wish you good health, happiness, and peace. Eternal glory to the victors. Happy Victory Day! Hurrah!”
After the speeches, the ceremonial parade continued. Major General Vitaly Gerasimov, head of the Kazan Higher Tank Command School and commander of the local garrison, presided over the proceedings. A total of 34 marching units participated — including active-duty troops, war veterans, cadets, military students, and youth patriotic organizations like Yunarmiya.
The parade also featured a mechanized column, led by the iconic T-34 tank. Following it were military vehicles from various eras, including the IS-3 tank, SU-100 self-propelled gun, PT-76 amphibious transporter, BM-13 "Katyusha" rocket launcher, ZIS-5 truck, BTR-82A, modern tanks like the T-90 “Proryv", T-80BVM, and T-72B3, along with the “Terminator” tank support vehicle, BMP-3, “Dnepr” motorcycles, and the REM-KL recovery vehicle. The event concluded with a display of vintage cars.
Later, Rais Minnikhanov visited the military-patriotic exhibition set up on the square. Guests were able to view up close some of Russia’s most advanced armored vehicles — including the cutting-edge T-14 “Armata,” upgraded T-72B3M, and other modern military hardware. A traditional field kitchen offered refreshments to all in attendance.
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Photo: official website of the Rais RT
Based on materials from the Press Service of the Rais RT