One kilometre long Immortal Regiment column marches through Donetsk

Donetsk, May 9 – DAN. The international patriotic action “Immortal Regiment” has taken place for the fifth time in the history of the Donetsk People’s Republic.

Nineteen DPR towns hosted commemorative events. The largest march was held in the Republic’s capital. Updated reports said some 100,000 people had marched along the city’s main street holding portraits of WWII soldiers and DPR defenders.  The participants included war veterans, DPR authorities, public activists and residents.

“The Immortal Regiment brings together thousands of people; they are legendary worriors who must be always remembered. Their victorious cause will last forever. Here, we honour the feat of the Soviet people and are now paying tribute to the Donetsk people,” Leningrad Blockade run participant Gusman Safin told the Donetsk News Agency.

“I have spent May 9 in Syria for the past three years. But this year I said that would stay in Donetsk,” Russian actress Viktoria Tarasova said adding that it was the first time she was joining the Immortal Regiment action.

Many Donetsk residents participated in the march together with their families or friends. Donetsk resident Valentina brought her grandson Vladislav who carried the portrait of his great-grandfather, a WWII fighter.

“Today, I woke up on my own; I very much wanted to see the parade. The Soviet-style uniform had been  purchased specially for the parade. I like it here and will come here again,” Vladislav said.

The Tsyganok family – mother Elena and her sons Valentin and Georgy – who were carrying the portraits of four WWII fighters said that they admired and were proud of Fatherland defenders.

The Immortal Regiment march in Donetsk lasted about an hour as the column walked from Lenin Square towards the Lenin Komsomol Park where a Victory Day rally was held. DPR Head Denis Pushilin took part in V Day events.*jk