Preparations for Friday's Victory Day military parade in Moscow, marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War, were finalized on Wednesday, setting the stage for the grand commemoration.
A rehearsal for the military parade took place at Red Square on Wednesday, drawing crowds who watched the display while reflecting on the wartime sacrifices of their grandparents and great-grandparents.
"Among those who were at war was my grandmother, who was a teenager at the time. She talked about the hunger and the need to help not only younger siblings and children but also her older relatives," said Sabina Yakhina, a resident.
Military personnel from 13 countries will march through Moscow during the parade, with China contributing the largest foreign contingent -- over 100 soldiers -- among all participating countries.
The parade, expected to draw millions of television viewers worldwide, will undoubtedly stir powerful emotions. The enduring significance of this victory remains profound, particularly in today's context where certain countries seek to distort its historical meaning.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday published a signed article titled "Learning from History to Build Together a Brighter Future" in the Russian Gazette newspaper ahead of his arrival in Russia for a state visit and attendance at the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War.
"It's a moment of excitement and responsibility. The article is interesting, profound, and reminds us all that we must fight not only fascism, Nazism, and hegemony. And it is clearly stated in Xi's article that we must not give up," said Pavel Negoitsa, general director of the Russian Gazette newspaper.
"We see how the world is shaking, how the past is being reviewed, and history rewritten. But both the leader of China and our president advocate for equality among countries," said Vladislav Fronin, editor-in-chief of the Russian Gazette newspaper.
Now, Moscow stands poised to commemorate this historic occasion, with up to 10 million participants anticipated to join the celebrations in the Russian capital.
Moscow finalizes preparations for grand Victory Day parade
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
