Russia: Defender of the Fatherland Day rallies planned in major urban centers, Feb. 22-23

Event

Defender of the Fatherland Day rallies are planned in Moscow and major urban centers, Feb. 22-23. President Putin will likely attend a major concert and rally in the Luzhniki Stadium, Khamovniki, Moscow, Feb. 22. Local authorities expect 200,000 attendees and warn of localized road closures and public transport disruptions from 15:00 until the end of the event. Other rallies and events are likely in cities across Russia. The Defender of the Fatherland Day public holiday is Feb. 23; the 2023 events will have heightened significance as they mark the first anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine.

Local authorities will likely deploy security forces to monitor events. Security measures and associated road closures will likely cause localized travel disruptions. Rallies are likely to remain peaceful.

Advice

Avoid all protests. Follow local security and travel advice and obey all instructions from local security forces. Allow extra time for travel in areas impacted by events.