Russia on Tuesday held a nightly rehearsal for the Victory Day Parade scheduled on May 9 in Moscow, offering a glimpse into the grand event marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Starting at 16:30 local time, streets and areas around Red Square were progressively closed to traffic, with military vehicles assembling on Tverskaya Street in preparation for the rehearsal. Residents expressed their expectations for the parade.
"First and foremost, we are looking forward to the aerial displays," said a local resident.
"Overall, first of all, I am proud of my country, and at the same time, I am proud of my ancestors because we won," said another spectator.
The rehearsal officially began at 22:00, with marching column preceding the display of military equipment. Led by the legendary T-34 tank, the parade of equipment, showcased a variety of modern military technology, including the Geranium drones, Iskander ballistic missiles and Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Besides, guards of honor from 12 countries, including China, Kazakhstan, and Vietnam, also joined the rehearsal. The Guard of Honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) sang patriotic song "Ode to the Motherland," drawing warm welcome and enthusiastic applause from locals and overseas Chinese in Russia.
Additional rehearsals are scheduled for May 3 and a final dressed rehearsal for May 7 before the official parade commences at 10:00 local time on May 9 on Red Square.
Russia holds rehearsal for Victory Day parade
Russia holds rehearsal for Victory Day parade
Chinese Premier Li Qiang urged solid efforts to accomplish the objectives and tasks for this year's economic and social development to make a good start in implementing the 15th Five-Year Plan while presiding over a plenary meeting of the State Council in Beijing on Monday.
Li said that since the beginning of this year, China's economy has registered steady growth featuring new momentums and structural improvement.
In the face of problems such as insufficient domestic demand and growing difficulties in some industries and enterprises, Li called for a focus on development goals to continuously push for innovation-driven and high-quality economic development by leveraging existing policies and rolling out new practical and effective policies in a timely manner.
Noting that this year marks the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030), Li emphasized the need to give full play to the plan's guiding role in all areas, urging efforts to maintain steady economic operation and expand domestic demand.
Efforts should be strengthened to advance the construction of water networks, new-type power grids, computing power networks, next-generation communication networks, urban underground pipeline networks and logistics networks, and innovate investment and financing mechanisms to attract social capital, Li said.
Li called for efforts to stabilize external demand and expand the space for mutually beneficial international cooperation in trade and economy.
It is imperative to leverage science and technology to accelerate transition from old to new growth drivers, increase support for emerging pillar industries and future industries, continuously promote the upgrading of traditional industries, and consolidate the foundation for the real economy, Li said.
Li also stressed doing a good job in ensuring and improving people's livelihood, boosting employment, increasing people's incomes, improving public services, carrying out disaster relief, and preventing the resurgence of poverty.
Chinese premier urges efforts to accomplish economic objectives, tasks
