At 2:10am, famous Soviet radio announcer Yuri Levitan read the full text of the German Instrument of Surrender and broadcast the following announcement across the entire country:

“On May 8, 1945, in Berlin, representatives of the German command signed the German Instrument of Surrender. The Great Patriotic War, which the Soviet people waged against the German fascist invaders, is victoriously over. Germany has been completely defeated.

Comrades, Red Army soldiers, Red Navy sailors, sergeants, foremen, army and navy officers, generals, admirals and marshals! I congratulate you on the victorious end of the Great Patriotic War!

In commemoration of the complete victory over Germany, today, on May 9, on Victory Day, at 22:00, the capital of our Motherland, Moscow, on behalf of the Motherland, will salute the valiant troops of the Red Army, ships and units of the Navy that have won this brilliant victory with thirty artillery volleys from a thousand guns.

Eternal glory to the heroes who fell in the battles for the freedom and independence of our Motherland! Long live the victorious Red Army and the Navy!”