Unless you're a veteran, government worker or a close friend of Putin, you can forget about watching the Victory Day parade in Red Square on Monday. It's very much an "invite only" affair.
But don't fret, there are plenty of other spots around the city to get your fill of tanks, uniforms and heavy artillery. As with last year, the central parade will pass along Tverskaya Ulitsa, the city's main thoroughfare, before entering Pushkin Square, Manege Square and Red Square. On its return the parade will pass along Novy Arbat.
If you're hoping to catch the parade on Tverskaya Ulitsa, get in position early and sharpen those elbows. Soldiers and tanks will be in position on Red Square at 10 a.m., so aim to either catch processions on the way to or from the center. Alternatively, if you're interested in the spectacle but also love a lie-in, why not tune in to a live stream via the May 9 website from the comfort of your own home? Invite some friends over and make a morning of it.
Live stream at 9maya.ru
Route map at pro-stranstva.ru/parad-pobedy