A concert and rally took place on 22 February 2023 at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.[1][2][3][4][5] TASS reported that the rally commemorated Defender of the Fatherland Day.[6][7] Ukrainska Pravda stated that the date was selected in reference to the starting date of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, 24 February 2022.[8]
 | |
| Date | 22 February 2023 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Luzhniki Stadium |
| Location | Moscow, Russia |
| Coordinates | 55°42′58″N 37°33′14″E / 55.716°N 37.554°E |
| Type | Concert and rally |
RBC reported that President Vladimir Putin was expected to make an appearance, and RIA Novosti reported that a parliamentary source stated that Putin would speak at the rally.[9][10] Ukrainska Pravda added that historical exhibits and Russian military equipment would also be on display.[8] Argumenty i Fakty reported that around 200,000 people were expected to attend.[6] Radio Liberty stated that people were being offered 500 RUB to attend a rally in Moscow, and presumed that the offer was for this rally.[11][a] The Moscow Times stated that it had been reported that employees and students of Moscow Polytechnic Universitywere ordered to attend and, if possible, to bring friends and family.[13]
The Russian constitution requires the president to address the Federal Assembly annually.[4] At the time the rally was scheduled, the last address Putin had delivered to the Federal Assembly was on 21 April 2021.[14][4][b] Putin is scheduled to address the assembly at Gostiny Dvor on 21 February 2023, the day before the rally.[16][9][11] RBC reported that the rally can be interpreted as an extension to the address.[2][4][9]