16 Apr 2020 18:27

Putin: I order changing schedule, postponing preparations for Victory Parade

NOVO-OGARYOVO. April 16 (Interfax) - The risks associated with the coronavirus pandemic, whose peak has not been passed yet, do not allow starting preparations for the May 9 parade now and therefore it should be postponed, like the other events marking the 75th anniversary of the Victory, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"We are now facing a difficult, I will say it directly, hard choice. And the May 9 date is sacred to us and the life of every person is sacred," he said at a meeting with permanent members of the Russian Security Council on Thursday.

"In order for the parade to be held on May 9 the preparations need to begin right now, but the risks associated with the epidemic, whose peak has not been passed yet, are still extremely high and that does not give me the right to start preparations for the parade and other mass events now," the president said.

"Therefore, I order the defense minister, the heads of the defense and security agencies, bodies of authority of all levels to change the schedule and postpone the preparations for the military parade on the Red Square, for parades in the regions, postpone all mass public events that were scheduled to be held to mark the 75th anniversary of the Great Victory," the president said.