MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday postponed next month’s Victory Day celebrations In Red Square marking the 75th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, citing the worsening coronavirus pandemic for putting off the lavish festivities that have dominated the Kremlin’s political agenda.
“The risks linked to the epidemic that hasn’t yet reached its peak are extremely high, and that doesn’t give me the right to start preparations for the parade and other festivities,” he said, adding that the celebration will be held later this year.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, French President Emmanuel Macron and other foreign dignitaries had promised to attend this year’s parade, which was to involve 14,000 troops and 300 tanks and other vehicles in a massive display of military might.
Putin’s government reportedly cleared the way for doctors to treat patients with the controversial malaria drug hydroxychloroquine Thursday. President Trump has advocated for the largely untested prescription med as well. Doctors in the U.S. have expressed mixed feelings about the potential remedy, which can include side effects risky to patients with heart problems.
