In the occupied Kerch there was a rehearsal for the parade on the occasion of May 9, during which the parade was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Saenko, who previously commanded 501 The Separate Marine Battalion of the Ukrainian Navy.

As reported by the Crimea. Realia ", after the annexation of the Crimea, Alexander Saenko did not come out with his colleagues to the mainland of Ukraine. In addition, he joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. With respect to the officer in Ukraine, criminal proceedings have been opened on the grounds of Article 408 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (desertion).

It is noted that during the rehearsal, military equipment and columns of soldiers followed along Kirova Street.

Among the military marched and local schoolchildren - participants of the children's movement "Unarmia". Rehearsal of the parade was conducted in conditions of increased security measures: in the adjoining streets metal detectors were installed, and courtyards were patrolled by police officers with dogs.

At the time of rehearsal, the main roads in the center of Kerch were closed (including those for which transit transport is going from the Kerch crossing). Overlapping of roads has provoked the appearance of traffic jams.