In some parts of the former Soviet Union — places such as Moscow, Crimea, Kyrgyzstan and Belarus — the streets were colored red as people celebrated the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution. At one time November 7 (using the Gregorian calendar) was a national holiday, the leaders of the Communist uprising revered and venerated, military might marched and rolled past the Kremlin with jets and helicopters roaring overhead. Today, however, it is mostly remembrance to a time past.
The day in photos from around the world.
After Adolf Hitler’s suicide on April 30, 1945, the occupying German armies began surrendering in Europe and the former Soviet Union. Ultimately, Germany signed an unconditional surrender, signaling the defeat of the Nazi Germany regime. VE Day (Victory in Europe) is commonly celebrated on May 8, while the countries of the former Soviet Union celebrate the day on May 9.
The following compilation includes scenes from, and revolving around, Victory Day across the ocean.