Russia scraps popular WW2 processions this year because of security threat - lawmaker

FILE PHOTO: Participants carry portraits of people, including Red Army soldiers, during the Immortal Regiment march on Victory Day, which marks the 77th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, in Saint Petersburg, Russia May 9, 2022. REUTERS/Anton Vaganov/File Photo

(Reuters) - Security concerns have prompted Russian authorities this year to cancel traditional nationwide Victory Day processions where people carry portraits of relatives who fought against Nazi Germany in World War Two, a lawmaker said on Tuesday.

Since 2012, the "Immortal Regiment" processions have become a major feature of national celebrations on May 9, a public holiday when Russia honours the 27 million Soviet citizens who died in the struggle to defeat Adolf Hitler's invasion.