Surprise in Washington: Government Envoys and Citizens Celebrate Russia's Victory Day

Relations between Russia and the United States are showing signals of change amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Russian Ambassador to the US, Alexander Darchiev, stated that the American government’s attitude towards Victory Day commemorations has changed drastically compared to recent years. “The government’s attitude towards that holiday has changed, changed radically. I have observed this,” Darchiev told Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency on Thursday (7/5/2025). The statement was made during a reception marking Victory Day at the Russian Embassy in Washington. According to Darchiev, this change in atmosphere is evident from the increased public engagement and the presence of US government elements in the commemorative events organised by the Russian side. He explained that over the past two years, the “Immortal Regiment” march has been held again in the centre of the American capital and around the Russian Embassy. This tradition is known as an annual event to remember Soviet victims and veterans of the Second World War. Darchiev believes that the Victory Day momentum can help restore normality to Moscow-Washington relations, which have been at their lowest point in recent years due to geopolitical conflicts and the war in Ukraine. At this year’s reception, representatives from the White House and the US State Department were reported to have attended the event at the Russian Embassy. Meanwhile, the “Immortal Regiment” march held in Washington DC last Saturday was also joined by around 100 participants consisting of Russian and American citizens. The “Immortal Regiment” is a public commemorative movement originating from Russia, where people march while carrying photos of family members, relatives, or veterans who fought and fell in the Second World War, particularly on the Eastern Front against Nazi Germany. This tradition became popular in Russia in the early 2010s and has since spread to various countries as a symbol of respect for the sacrifices of the Soviet war generation.