2025-05-07
25 分钟BBC Sounds. Music, radio, podcasts.
Hello.
It's 1,168 days since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Vitaly, on Friday it is Victory Day in Russia, a big day for many people there.
What is it?
Why does it matter?
It is a huge deal.
It's basically a key pillar on which state ideology rests and it celebrates the Soviet victory.
in the Second World War, known as the Great Patriotic War in Russia.
In perfect order,
the mass might of the Red Army passes in review through the historic square still marked by Nazi bombs.
And the Kremlin is exploiting it or has been exploiting it for years to justify its current policies.
And basically the message is, Russians, you've got to finish.
The job started by your heroic forefathers and smite our enemies once and for all,
no matter the cost.
There is a picture of a newborn baby at a hospital in Russia wearing a hat.
Is that relevant to the way Russian people celebrate?
Oh, yes.
When the 9th of May, Victory Day, approaches, memories of the great victory are everywhere.
You can't escape it.