The de facto leaders of Georgia’s Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia have arrived in Moscow to attend events marking the 81st anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II and hold meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Press service of Abkhazia’s de facto leader Badra Gunba announced that he traveled to Moscow together with his wife, Irma Khashig, to participate in the May 9 commemorative events.
Meanwhile, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said Putin is also expected to meet with South Ossetia’s de facto leader Alan Gagloev during the celebrations. Gagloev has reportedly already arrived in Moscow.
South Ossetian de facto authorities say Gagloev is also scheduled to hold several working meetings ahead of the Victory Day ceremony.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said the traditional military parade dedicated to Victory Day will take place on Moscow’s Red Square and will involve units from different branches of the Russian armed forces and military academies.
Russian authorities also announced that aerobatic groups and Su-25 attack aircraft will fly over Red Square during the parade. State media additionally reported that live broadcasts would feature military units currently involved in the war in Ukraine, including personnel stationed at strategic missile, aerospace and naval command posts.
The announcements come despite earlier reports suggesting heavy military equipment might not be displayed at this year’s parade, amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and security concerns following repeated drone attacks targeting Russian territory in recent months.
Russian media have also reported that the list of foreign leaders attending the May 9 celebrations is expected to be relatively limited this year. Based on the preliminary reports, no leaders from Central Asian countries are expected to attend, while Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has also declined participation.
Abkhazia and South Ossetia are internationally recognized as part of Georgia, but have remained under Russian military presence and de facto control since the 2008 Russia-Georgia war. Most of the international community recognizes the territories as occupied regions of Georgia.
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