Residents of Ingushetia and Adygea to hold WWII commemorations online

North Caucasus Republics Shift Memorials as Security Concerns Rise

Two republics in the North Caucasus, Ingushetia and Adygea, have announced they will not hold traditional in-person Immortal Regiment marches commemorating World War II on 9 May. The decision, citing “security priorities and the current situation,” reflects a broader trend of adjustments to the annual event across Russia. In Ingushetia, Head Makhmud-Ali Kalimatov confirmed that the march will proceed online, allowing residents to upload images of relatives who served in the war.

Despite the change, a series of Victory Day events are still planned, with particular focus on the town of Malgobek. These include financial support for families of participants in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Of Ingushetia’s wartime population of 97,000, over 6,500 perished.

Similarly, Adygea has cancelled its traditional in-person march. This marks a shift from previous years, where the Immortal Regiment was held in Ingushetia. Authorities are emphasizing a “serious approach to organising festive events” due to existing risks.

Residents will participate through online platforms, creating a virtual column of remembrance. The Immortal Regiment, initiated in 2012, involves citizens marching through cities carrying portraits of relatives who served in WWII. Recent years have seen cancellations or restrictions in numerous Russian regions due to security concerns, including threats related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

While some regions, such as those in the eastern parts of Russia, are planning in-person marches with enhanced security, the situation remains fluid. The move highlights the ongoing impact of geopolitical events on commemorative traditions and reflects the evolving approach to public gatherings across Russia. The republics of ingushetia and adygea are closely monitoring the situation.

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