Russian Embassy announces Victory Day concert in Vienna

A Victory Day concert is set to take place in central Vienna on May 9, the Russian Embassy in Austria has announced. The event next to the Soviet War Memorial at Schwarzenbergplatz will feature performances by musicians and members of the Russian community in Austria, according to the embassy.

The announcement comes amid a diplomatic row between Russia and Austria. On Monday, Vienna said it expelled three Russian diplomats, accusing the mission of espionage. Moscow has condemned the move as unjustified and politically motivated, warning of a harsh response.

Vienna hosts the headquarters of several major international organizations, including the International Atomic Energy Agency, OPEC, and a number of UN agencies, which Russia takes part in, maintaining diplomatic and technical engagement.

Victory Day commemorations are traditionally held in the Austrian capital on May 9, with wreath and flower-laying ceremonies at the Soviet war memorial, along with marches and gatherings. Victory Day is one of Russia’s most important public holidays, marking the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

Since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, Victory Day events have been met with counter-demonstrations in Vienna. Kiev has repeatedly asked the Austrian government to ban the events, but without success, according to Euronews.