Russian authorities on April 18 canceled annual processions in remembrance of relatives who fought in World War II amid apparent security concerns linked to the fighting in Ukraine.
Millions of people across Russia traditionally march in the Immortal Regiment processions on May 9, the annual holiday commemorating the end of World War II, holding placards of relatives who lived and died during the conflict.
We asked people on the streets of Moscow why they thought authorities canceled the event.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
![](["https:\/\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/_J_8GnLTf0E\/maxresdefault.jpg","https:\/\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/_J_8GnLTf0E\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/_J_8GnLTf0E\/default.jpg","https:\/\/static.themoscowtimes.com\/img\/article_video.jpg"])
![](["https:\/\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/VdQtNgi3C8k\/maxresdefault.jpg","https:\/\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/VdQtNgi3C8k\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/VdQtNgi3C8k\/default.jpg","https:\/\/static.themoscowtimes.com\/img\/article_video.jpg"])
![](["https:\/\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/zdKtDhh8dBQ\/maxresdefault.jpg","https:\/\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/zdKtDhh8dBQ\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/zdKtDhh8dBQ\/default.jpg","https:\/\/static.themoscowtimes.com\/img\/article_video.jpg"])