Patriotism and unease mix as Russia prepares to mark Victory Day

Russian servicewomen march during a dress rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade in Moscow (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP)

The pride and patriotism usually associated with Russia’s most important holiday, marked by a huge parade of soldiers and military hardware through Moscow’s Red Square, is mixing with apprehension and unease over what this year’s Victory Day may bring.

At first glance, preparations for Monday’s celebration of Victory Day, marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945, seem to be the same as ever.