A heated argument between members of a Russian military orchestra preparing to take part in celebrations for Victory Day ended in a lethal shoot out. The Kremlin is gearing up to celebrate the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany.
As is customary, a big military parade will be held on Red Square in Moscow on Friday May 9. In attendance will be some of the world’s political leaders, among them China’s President Xi Jinping.
Celebrations will be held all over Russia, as people come together to remember the immense sacrifices made by Soviet soldiers during World War 2.
Over the past few weeks, soldiers and military bands have taken part in countless rehearsals in preparation for the solemn festivities.
However, not all the preparations went smoothly, according to local media reports in Moscow.
Police in Russia’s capital city rushed to Moscow’s Savelovskaya metro station at 11pm after reports of gunfire.
Moscow is on high security alert with officials fearing possible terror attacks in the run up to the Victory Day parade.
Arriving at the scene, police were informed that there had been a furious argument between members of the National Guard’s orchestra.
The dispute ended with senior warrant officer Sergei Konovalov shooting the orchestra’s accompanist Alexander Solovyov in the head.
The unfortunate Solovyov was taken to hospital with a serious wound to his head, where he is currently receiving treatment.
The reasons for the dispute have yet to be clarified, nor is it known what actions will be taken against Konovalov.
The Kremlin claims that 29 world leaders will be present at the parade, including Slovakia’s prime minister Robert Fico.
Earlier in April, the EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, warned European leaders against attending the event.
“What was also discussed very clearly, and said by different member states, is that any participation in the 9th May parades or celebrations in Moscow will not be taken lightly on the European side, considering that Russia is really waging a full-scale war in Europe,” she said.