Eastern Europe/Central Asia: Victory Day disruptions expected May 9

Event

Several countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia will celebrate Victory Day on Thursday, May 9, to commemorate the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany. Victory Day is widely celebrated in Russia and is also a public holiday for many other former Soviet states, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Other nations, such as Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, and Ukraine have related holidays or hold unofficial events on May 9. Parades, festivals, and air shows are possible in the observing nations, along with associated disruptions to businesses, government services, and transportation. Heightened security measures, including road closures, security checkpoints, and increased deployment of security personnel, are all possible during events, particularly near possible parade routes. 

Advice

Individuals in the abovementioned countries are advised to remain vigilant for criminal or suspicious behavior, avoid large crowds as a precaution, and anticipate business, government, and transportation disruptions, a heightened security presence, and crowded conditions.