On the occasion of the annual celebration of the victory over Nazi Germany, Vladimir Putin on Saturday defended Moscow’s military actions in Ukraine, calling the Russian forces “defenders of the truth” who are fighting an “aggressive force” supported by the entire NATO bloc.
Putin drew parallels to the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany during World War II during the traditional military parade at Red Square. The spirit of sacrifice and heroism of the war generation continues to inspire Russian troops deployed in Ukraine, in what the Kremlin calls a “special military operation,” he said.
During the speech, Putin said that “the great feat of the generation of victors inspires our soldiers today”. He said the Russian forces were being confronted by a “highly armed and backed by the rest of the world” but that Moscow’s aims were still legitimate. “They’re facing an aggressive force that’s armed and backed by the entire NATO bloc, but so far our heroes are going forward, and our cause is legitimate.”
Victory Day is one of the most significant and cherished national holidays of Russia, and it has been a key part of Putin’s political rhetoric since he took the helm in 1999. But this year’s festivities were smaller than usual, with the heightened security concerns after several long-range strikes launched by Ukraine in recent weeks.
For the first time in almost 20 years, there were no heavy military weapons displayed in the parade, a fact of war and security concerns. Foreign dignitaries were also kept to a minimum of primarily close allies of the Russian President. The North Korean soldiers were also on hand at the event.
Before the festivities began, Moscow and Kyiv agreed to a temporary three-day ceasefire before it, after a last minute appeal by Donald Trump. Russia had previously threatened “severe reaction” to any disruption to the parade by Ukraine.
Putin’s comments will further fuel tensions between Russia and the West as the conflict in Ukraine shows no signs of a peace accord anytime soon.