Russian authorities held this Wednesday (22) a large concert entitled “Glory to the defenders of the fatherland”, which takes place on the eve of the one year anniversary of the war in Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin participated in the event and gave a nationalist speech in which he stated that Russia is currently experiencing a “battle for its borders”.
Officially, the concert, which takes place at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow, is dedicated to Defender of the Fatherland Day, a holiday celebrated on February 23, which honors those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of Russia.
In his speech, Putin referenced the war in Ukraine – officially called a “special military operation” in Russia – said there was now a battle on “our historic borders for our people” and called his compatriots “defenders of the motherland”.
“There are people who decide for themselves to defend the most sacred and dear thing we have: family and fatherland,” said Vladimir Putin as he took the stage of the rally at the Luzhniki stadium.
People wave Russian flags as President Vladimir Putin gives a speech during a concert on the eve of the anniversary of the war in Ukraine / Natalia Kolesnikova / AFP
“Today, while we protect our interests, our people, our culture, our language, our territory, all our people are defenders of the Homeland”, he highlighted.
“When we are together, there is no one like us. For the unity of the Russian people! Hurray!” concluded the president.
Marked by a strong nationalist character, the event had the participation of soldiers who were on the front line in the war with Ukraine, in addition to presentations by artists who supported the Putin government. Patriotic symbolism was also present in the Russian flags scattered throughout the stands, in addition to the coats of arms of the Soviet Union, referring to the country’s victory in World War II. Specifically on the stage there was a Soviet flag with the slogan “Death to the German invaders”.
According to the organizers, the event is expected to bring together around 200,000 people. However, there are a number of reports on social media and from local independent media correspondents claiming that a large number of those in attendance were paid to attend.
Editing: Patricia de Matos
