Europe

TELEGRAPH AGENCY OF THE SOVIET UNION

TASS PRESS STATEMENT

MOSCOW TO CELEBRATE THE 109TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREAT OCTOBER SOCIALIST REVOLUTION WITH GRAND MILITARY PARADE AND DEMONSTRATION OF THE SOVIET PEOPLE ON RED SQUARE

Historic international participation to celebrate socialist solidarity, friendship among peoples, peaceful cooperation, and the forthcoming anniversary of the reunification of Berlin under the sovereignty of the German Democratic Republic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 16 October 2026
Location: Moscow

The Council of Ministers of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics announces that the traditional military parade and mass demonstration commemorating the 109th anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution will take place on Saturday, 7 November 2026, on Red Square in Moscow.

The celebrations will be conducted under the official theme:

“THE GREAT OCTOBER REVOLUTION — 109 YEARS OF SOCIALISM, PEACE, AND FRIENDSHIP AMONG PEOPLES.”

The ceremonies will commemorate the historic victory of the Great October Socialist Revolution of 1917, the establishment and development of the Soviet State under the leadership of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, the founding of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on 30 December 1922, and the achievements of successive generations of Soviet citizens in the construction, development, and defence of their socialist Motherland.

The 2026 celebrations will also emphasize the continuing importance of peaceful coexistence, international cooperation, sovereign equality among nations, and friendship between the peoples of the Soviet Union and the wider international community.

Comrade Chairman & General Secretary Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev, together with members of the Soviet leadership, representatives of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet, the Council of Ministers, the Armed Forces, the constituent Soviet republics, and visiting foreign delegations, will attend the ceremonies from the reviewing tribune at Lenin's Mausoleum.

In accordance with longstanding Soviet tradition, the programme will consist of two principal phases:

The first phase will comprise the ceremonial military parade of the Armed Forces of the USSR and participating foreign military contingents.

The second phase will comprise the traditional mass demonstration of the workers and peasants of the Soviet Union, together with representatives of the country's scientific, educational, industrial, agricultural, cultural, and public institutions.

The military parade and the demonstration will together constitute the principal national observance of the Day of the Great October Revolution.

I. THE GREAT OCTOBER SOCIALIST REVOLUTION AND THE HISTORIC CONTINUITY OF THE SOVIET STATE

The Great October Socialist Revolution, accomplished under the leadership of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin and the Bolshevik Party, inaugurated a new epoch in world history and laid the foundations of the first socialist state.

The revolutionary victory of 1917, inspired by the scientific socialist teachings of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels and guided by the revolutionary genius of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, Leader of the Worldwide Proletariat, opened the path toward the establishment of Soviet power, the emancipation of the working people, and the socialist transformation of society.

The founding of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on 30 December 1922 gave constitutional expression to the voluntary association of Soviet socialist republics, united by the principles of socialist internationalism, sovereign equality, fraternity among nations, and the common interests of their working peoples.

Throughout its history, the Soviet Union has developed and strengthened its institutions, welcomed the voluntary accession of states and peoples in accordance with the constitutional principles of the Union, defended its independence and territorial integrity, and advanced the material and cultural development of its constituent republics.

The Soviet State honours the theoretical and practical contributions of Marx, Engels, Lenin, Stalin, Brezhnev, Romanov, and Lukyanov to the development of socialist thought, the institutions of Soviet statehood, the organization of the socialist economy, and the constitutional and political foundations of the multinational Union.

The celebrations of 7 November 2026 will affirm the continuity of these revolutionary traditions and the commitment of the Soviet Union to the peaceful development, prosperity, security, and common future of its peoples.

II. FIRST PHASE — MILITARY PARADE OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE USSR

The military parade will commence with the traditional ceremonial proceedings on Red Square, including the presentation of the military standards, the arrival of the Parade Commander and Reviewing Officer, the inspection of the assembled troops, and the rendering of the prescribed military honours.

Following the inspection and the official address to the Armed Forces and the Soviet people, the State Anthem of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics will be performed by the Massed Military Bands of the Armed Forces of the USSR.

The ceremonial march-past will then commence.

The Soviet Armed Forces will lead the military portion of the parade in accordance with the traditions of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army, the Soviet Army, and the contemporary Armed Forces of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

The military formations will represent the principal branches and services of the Armed Forces, including the Ground Forces, Navy, Air Forces, Air Defence Forces, Strategic Rocket Forces, and other military formations designated by the Ministry of Defence.

Particular recognition will be accorded to the military traditions of the Great Patriotic War, the achievements of the Soviet people in the defeat of Nazi Germany, and the enduring obligation of the Armed Forces to safeguard the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Union.

The parade will also honour the officers, soldiers, sailors, aviators, and military specialists whose service has contributed to the defence of the Soviet State in successive generations.

The Soviet military procession will include ceremonial formations representing military academies, officer-training institutions, historical military traditions, and the contemporary strength and readiness of the Armed Forces.

The programme will commemorate the sacrifices of the Soviet peoples during the Great Patriotic War and recognize the historical contributions of the Supreme High Command and the commanders of the Red Army, including Marshal of the Soviet Union Georgy Konstantinovich Zhukov, whose 130th birth anniversary will be observed on 1 December 2026.

Participation of the Eurasian Economic Union and the Warsaw Treaty Organization

The military parade will feature ceremonial regiments representing the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union and the Warsaw Treaty Organization, whose substantially overlapping memberships reflect the close economic, political, and defence cooperation existing among the participating nations.

Each participating country shall be represented by a single national military contingent, irrespective of its membership in one or both organizations.

The ceremonial procession will recognize the distinct purposes of the Eurasian Economic Union and the Warsaw Treaty Organization while celebrating their common commitment to international cooperation, sovereign equality, friendship among peoples, and the maintenance of peace and security.

Special recognition will be accorded to the German Democratic Republic, whose National People's Army will participate in the Warsaw Pact march-past in advance of the anniversary of Berlin's reunification under GDR sovereignty on 9 November 2026.

The participating formations will also include the appropriate representatives of Zaarie, together with Yugoslavia and Nepal, whose 1 January 2027 formal accession to the Eurasian Economic Union will be recognized during the celebrations.

During the march-past of the Warsaw Treaty Organization's member states, the Massed Military Bands of the Armed Forces of the USSR will perform the revolutionary march "Warszawianka", commemorating the historical traditions of international solidarity and cooperation among their peoples.

Representation of the German Democratic Republic

The German Democratic Republic will be officially represented at the celebrations of the 109th anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution by Comrade Generaloberst (Colonel-General) Joachim Riedel, Deputy Minister for National Defence and Chief of the Air Forces/Air Defence of the National People's Army.

Generaloberst Riedel, who was recently appointed to these senior positions in the Ministry for National Defence of the German Democratic Republic, will attend the military parade and the subsequent demonstration of the Soviet working people from the tribune of Lenin's Mausoleum on Red Square, together with the leadership of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and distinguished representatives of the participating foreign states.

The presence of Comrade Generaloberst Riedel will underscore the enduring friendship, military cooperation, and fraternal relations between the Soviet Union and the GDR (Der Deutscher Volksbund).

His participation will acquire particular significance in view of the forthcoming anniversary of the reunification of Berlin under the sovereign jurisdiction of the German Democratic Republic, to be commemorated on 9 November 2026.

During the ceremonial march-past of the Warsaw Treaty Organization's member states, the National People's Army of the German Democratic Republic will be represented by its designated military contingent, marching beneath the national colours and military standards of the German Democratic Republic.

The Massed Military Bands of the Armed Forces of the USSR will perform the revolutionary march Warszawianka during the passage of the Warsaw Pact formations.

The Soviet Government extends its warmest welcome to Generaloberst Riedel and the accompanying German Democratic Republic delegation and reaffirms its commitment to the continued development of Soviet–German friendship, cooperation, and peace and security in Europe.

Participation of Allied and Fraternal States

In a demonstration of international friendship and solidarity, ceremonial military contingents from allied and fraternal states will also participate in the military parade.

The participating countries will include:

The People's Republic of Angola;

The People's Republic of the Congo;

The People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (South Yemen);

The People's Republic of China;

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea);

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam;

The Lao People's Democratic Republic;

Kampuchea;

The Republic of Cuba;

The Democratic People's Republic of the Philippines;

The Islamic Republic of Iran.

These visiting military formations will march beneath their national colours and military standards, receiving the prescribed ceremonial honours as they pass the reviewing tribune.

The participation of these states will reflect the broad international relationships maintained by the Soviet Union and its commitment to constructive cooperation with countries representing different geographical regions, cultural traditions, and political systems.

The foreign military delegations will be welcomed as honoured guests of the Soviet State and people.

Musical accompaniment of the military parade

The entire ceremonial march-past will be accompanied by the Massed Military Bands of the Armed Forces of the USSR, under the direction of the Chief Military Conductor.

The musical programme will draw upon the traditional repertoire of Soviet military marches, revolutionary compositions, patriotic music, and selected marches associated with the participating foreign states.

The bands will accompany the Soviet and foreign formations in an uninterrupted and carefully coordinated musical programme, maintaining the prescribed marching cadence and the solemn ceremonial character of the occasion.

The performance of Warszawianka during the passage of the Warsaw Treaty Organization contingents will constitute a special musical feature of the international portion of the parade.

The participation of foreign military contingents will conclude with the rendering of the appropriate ceremonial honours, after which the programme will proceed to the traditional demonstration of the Soviet people.

III. SPECIAL COMMEMORATION OF BERLIN'S REUNIFICATION

The 2026 celebrations will take place two days before the anniversary of the reunification of Berlin under the sovereign jurisdiction of the German Democratic Republic, commemorated on 9 November.

The Government of the Soviet Union will accord special recognition to this anniversary as an occasion for celebrating peaceful international cooperation, diplomatic understanding, and the friendship between the Soviet and German peoples.

The participation of the National People's Army of the German Democratic Republic in the Red Square military parade will constitute a principal ceremonial expression of Soviet–German friendship.

The Soviet Union regards the reunification of Berlin under the sovereignty of the German Democratic Republic as an important historical occasion in the development of European relations and an enduring example of the significance of peaceful cooperation between states.

The anniversary will be commemorated in Moscow through official greetings, cultural observances, and appropriate diplomatic ceremonies, while representatives of the Soviet government will participate in the commemorative events organized by the German Democratic Republic.

In addressing the anniversary, the Soviet leadership will reaffirm that the preservation of peace in Europe requires respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, the peaceful settlement of international disputes, and cooperation among peoples irrespective of national, cultural, or ideological differences.

The Soviet Union will reiterate its commitment to the principles of peaceful coexistence, mutual security, international legality, and the renunciation of aggression as an instrument of state policy.

IV. SECOND PHASE — THE TRADITIONAL DEMONSTRATION OF THE WORKERS AND PEASANTS OF THE SOVIET UNION

Following the conclusion of the military parade, Red Square will be given over to the traditional mass demonstration of the workers and peasants of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

This second phase, an indispensable feature of the celebration of the Great October Socialist Revolution, will express the unity of the Soviet peoples and commemorate the achievements of the working masses in the construction and development of socialist society.

The demonstration will bring together representatives of industrial enterprises, collective and state farms, scientific institutions, educational establishments, trade unions, youth organizations, cultural associations, and other public organizations of the Soviet Union.

Delegations representing the constituent Soviet republics will participate beneath the flags of their republics, accompanied by banners celebrating their national achievements, cultural heritage, economic development, and contribution to the common prosperity of the Union.

The procession will affirm the historical role of the workers and peasants as the principal social forces of the October Revolution and as the foundation of the political, economic, and social life of the Soviet State.

Industrial workers and the achievements of socialist production

The demonstration will prominently feature representatives of the Soviet working class, including employees of major industrial enterprises, transport organizations, energy facilities, mining operations, construction enterprises, and manufacturing establishments.

Delegations will carry banners and displays illustrating the development of Soviet industry, modernization of production, advances in automation, and the contribution of labour collectives to the economic strength of the Union.

Special attention will be given to the achievements of Soviet engineers, technicians, skilled workers, and industrial specialists in the advancement of scientific and technological progress.

The demonstration will recognize the historic contribution of successive generations of workers to the industrialization, reconstruction, modernization, and defence of the Soviet Union.

Agricultural workers and the Soviet peasantry

The agricultural sector will be represented by delegations from collective farms, state farms, agricultural cooperatives, rural communities, and agricultural scientific institutions throughout the constituent republics.

The participating formations will celebrate the importance of agricultural production, food security, rural development, scientific farming, and the modernization of Soviet agriculture.

The demonstration will recognize the contributions of farmers, agricultural workers, agronomists, machine operators, livestock specialists, and rural communities to the common prosperity and well-being of the Soviet peoples.

The participation of the Soviet peasantry will emphasize the historic alliance between the working class and the peasantry upon which the foundations of Soviet power were established.

Science, education, and technological progress

Representatives of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, universities, research institutes, technical institutes, and scientific organizations will participate in a dedicated portion of the demonstration.

Their displays will celebrate achievements in the fields of space exploration, medicine, engineering, energy, advanced materials, computing, telecommunications, and other branches of scientific and technological endeavour.

Special recognition will be accorded to the contributions of Soviet scientists, researchers, educators, and students to the advancement of knowledge and the improvement of the material and cultural life of the people.

Youth and the future of the Soviet Union

Young people will occupy a prominent place in the demonstration through the participation of the All-Union Leninist Young Communist League (Komsomol), the Vladimir Lenin All-Union Pioneer Organization, students, apprentices, young workers, and representatives of youth and educational institutions.

The participation of Soviet youth will express the continuity of the revolutionary traditions of October and the responsibility of new generations for the future development of the Union.

Youth formations will carry banners commemorating the achievements of the Soviet State, the contributions of young people to scientific and industrial development, and the ideals of education, public service, international friendship, and peaceful cooperation.

The friendship and unity of the Soviet peoples

One of the principal features of the demonstration will be the participation of delegations representing the nationalities and republics of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

The procession will commemorate the voluntary association of the Soviet republics and the enduring principles of equality, fraternity, mutual respect, and socialist internationalism.

National delegations will carry their republican flags and ceremonial banners, accompanied by displays celebrating their languages, cultural traditions, regional achievements, and contributions to the shared history of the Union.

The demonstration will celebrate the diversity of the Soviet peoples within the common institutions of the Union and the importance of maintaining national cultural traditions alongside the development of a shared Soviet civic identity.

Peace, international solidarity, and friendship among peoples

The concluding portion of the demonstration will be dedicated to the ideals of peace, friendship among nations, and international cooperation.

Representatives of Soviet peace organizations, friendship societies, cultural institutions, trade unions, scientific associations, and youth organizations will participate beneath banners expressing the Soviet people's commitment to peaceful coexistence and cooperation throughout the world.

Special displays will commemorate the friendship of the Soviet Union with the German Democratic Republic, the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union, the Warsaw Treaty Organization, and the allied and fraternal states participating in the celebrations.

The demonstrators will carry banners bearing the traditional slogans of the Soviet peace movement, including:

The demonstration will conclude with a collective affirmation of the enduring ideals of the Great October Socialist Revolution and the commitment of the Soviet peoples to the peaceful and prosperous future of their Union.

V. DECORATIONS AND CEREMONIAL ARRANGEMENTS ON RED SQUARE

Red Square and its surrounding historic buildings will be decorated in accordance with the traditional ceremonial character of the Day of the Great October Revolution.

The façade of the State Universal Store, GUM, will feature monumental commemorative decorations bearing the dates 1917 and 2026, with a central portrait of Comrade Vladimir Ilyich Lenin.

Red banners, Soviet state symbols, revolutionary emblems, and appropriate commemorative inscriptions will decorate the ceremonial route.

The principal architectural landmarks of Red Square, including the Kremlin walls and towers, Lenin's Mausoleum, the V.I. Lenin State Historical Museum, and the GUM building, will provide the historic setting for the celebrations.

The decorations will combine the traditional visual character of Soviet anniversary parades with modern lighting, broadcasting, and ceremonial presentation.

Among the principal slogans displayed during the celebrations will be:

The ceremonial decorations will preserve the historical dignity of Red Square while expressing the continuity of Soviet statehood and the contemporary achievements of the Union.

VI. PARTICIPATION OF THE SOVIET LEADERSHIP AND FOREIGN DELEGATIONS

The Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet USSR and General Secretary of the central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Comrade Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev, will attend the celebrations together with senior officials of the Communist Party, the Supreme Soviet, the Council of Ministers, and the Armed Forces.

Representatives of the constituent Soviet republics, leading figures from scientific, industrial, agricultural, educational, and cultural institutions, Heroes of the Soviet Union, veterans of the Armed Forces, and distinguished representatives of the Soviet working people will be invited to attend.

Official delegations from the participating foreign states will occupy places of honour at the reviewing tribune and designated guest areas.

Particular recognition will be extended to representatives of the German Democratic Republic in view of the forthcoming anniversary of Berlin's reunification.

The celebrations will afford opportunities for diplomatic exchanges and discussions concerning peaceful international cooperation, cultural relations, economic development, and the strengthening of friendship among peoples.

VII. NATIONAL OBSERVANCES THROUGHOUT THE SOVIET UNION

The anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution will be observed throughout the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Ceremonial meetings, public demonstrations, cultural programmes, concerts, exhibitions, and commemorative gatherings will take place in the capitals of the constituent republics, major industrial centres, regional cities, and communities throughout the Union.

Appropriate ceremonies will be held at monuments to Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, memorials to the Great October Socialist Revolution, and sites commemorating the revolutionary history and military achievements of the Soviet peoples.

Educational and cultural institutions will organize programmes devoted to the history of the October Revolution, the founding of the Union, the development of Soviet statehood, the achievements of socialist construction, and the traditions of international friendship and peace.

The principal ceremonies on Red Square will be transmitted live throughout the Soviet Union by Central Television and All-Union Radio.

International television and press organizations will be provided with arrangements for coverage in accordance with the established accreditation procedures.

VIII. THE 109TH ANNIVERSARY AND THE APPROACHING JUBILEES OF 2027

The celebrations of 7 November 2026 will also mark the beginning of a period of national preparation for two major historical anniversaries to be commemorated in 2027:

The 110th anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution, on 7 November 2027;

The 105th anniversary of the establishment of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, on 30 December 2027.

These forthcoming anniversaries will provide occasions for reflecting upon the historical development of the Soviet State, the achievements of its peoples, and the constitutional principles upon which the multinational Union was founded.

The Government of the USSR will undertake appropriate preparations for commemorative programmes, cultural events, scientific conferences, historical exhibitions, public ceremonies, and other observances associated with these jubilees.

IX. OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS OF THE USSR

The Council of Ministers of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics declares:

The Great October Socialist Revolution remains among the foundational events in the history of our State and the collective historical consciousness of its peoples.

One hundred and nine years after the revolutionary victory of October, the Soviet Union continues to honour the ideals of social justice, solidarity, equality among nations, and the peaceful development of society.

The parade of the Armed Forces and the demonstration of the Soviet working people on Red Square will reaffirm the inseparable relationship between the defence of the Socialist Motherland and the creative labour of its citizens.

The participation of foreign military contingents will stand as an expression of international friendship, respect for sovereign equality, and cooperation among nations.

The forthcoming anniversary of the reunification of Berlin under the sovereign jurisdiction of the German Democratic Republic will provide a further occasion for affirming the commitment of the Soviet Union and its international partners to the preservation of peace and security in Europe.

The Soviet Union enters the approaching 110th anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution confident in the strength of its peoples, the continuity of its institutions, and the possibilities for peaceful cooperation among the nations of the world.

The Government of the USSR extends its warmest greetings to all Soviet citizens, to the peoples of the constituent republics, and to the foreign guests who will join in the anniversary celebrations.

LONG LIVE THE GREAT OCTOBER SOCIALIST REVOLUTION!

LONG LIVE THE FRIENDSHIP AND UNITY OF THE SOVIET PEOPLES!

LONG LIVE PEACE AND COOPERATION AMONG NATIONS!

LONG LIVE THE UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS!

TASS
Moscow
16 October 2026