Vladimir Putin used his annual Victory Day speech in Moscow to defend Russia’s war in Ukraine and strongly criticise NATO during a scaled back military parade at Red Square.
Addressing military personnel and invited dignitaries, Putin described the conflict in Ukraine as a “just” war and accused Ukraine of acting as an aggressive force backed and armed by NATO countries.
The Russian president linked the ongoing war to the Soviet Union’s historic struggle during World War Two, saying the sacrifices of Soviet soldiers continue to inspire Russian troops involved in what Moscow calls its “special military operation.”
Putin also praised Russian citizens contributing to the country’s war effort, including scientists, teachers, doctors, inventors and military correspondents, saying the nation’s future depends on the strength and unity of its people.
The Victory Day parade, which marks the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany, took place under heightened security measures amid continuing tensions linked to the Ukraine conflict.
For the first time in several years, no armoured vehicles or ballistic missile systems were displayed during the Moscow parade, reflecting a notably reduced military showcase compared to previous celebrations.
Despite the scaled back format, large groups of military personnel marched through Red Square while military bands performed following Putin’s address.
The event came shortly after Russia and Ukraine agreed to observe a three day ceasefire announced by Donald Trump on Friday.
Among the leaders present at the ceremony were Alexander Lukashenko, Thongloun Sisoulith, Kassym Jomart Tokayev and Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Robert Fico was also seen meeting Putin at the Kremlin before the parade.
However, attendance by international leaders was noticeably lower than last year’s 80th anniversary event, which had attracted a much larger number of global leaders including China’s Xi Jinping and Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
