In Russia, tanks, missile launchers and armored vehicles thundered through central Moscow this evening as the military held another dress rehearsal for the big Victory Day parade on 9 May.
Muscovites gathered to watch the weaponry roll past, some taking photos and waving to the troops perched atop the tanks.
The 9 May military parade on Red Square is an annual event to mark the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War Two, although it has added significance this year following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Some analysts suggest President Putin wants to announce some sort of victory on Victory Day, although it is difficult to see what further progress Russian troops can make in Ukraine in the space of just a few days.
There has even been speculation here that Mr Putin will announce some sort of mobilisation – such as a call-up of reservists – although a Kremlin spokesperson denied today any such plans were in the works, calling the rumours “rubbish”.
