Russia marks annexation anniversary with concerts and parades
- Russia celebrated the second anniversary of the annexation of four Ukrainian regions with a muted event in Moscow's Red Square.
- The celebration featured mainly veterans and VIPs, contrasting with the previous year's larger crowds, and the annexation has faced international condemnation.
- Despite the festivities, significant Ukrainian territory remains occupied, highlighting the ongoing conflict and the complexities surrounding the situation.
On the second anniversary of the annexation of four Ukrainian regions, Russia held a muted celebration in Moscow's Red Square. Unlike the previous year, when large crowds were bussed in, this year's event featured mainly veterans and VIPs. The Kremlin's annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia has been widely condemned internationally, with the referendums used to justify the move dismissed as illegitimate. Despite the celebrations, significant portions of these territories remain under Ukrainian control, a fact that was notably absent from the festivities. The event aimed to portray the annexation as a liberation, reflecting a narrative embraced by some Russian citizens who feel a historical connection to these regions. However, the ongoing conflict and the realities on the ground present a stark contrast to the celebratory tone of the event, highlighting the complexities of the situation as the war approaches its third winter.