“Today, civilization is once again at a decisive turning point. A real war has broken out against our Fatherland,” he said at a military parade in Moscow on Tuesday. “The West has forgotten who defeated the Nazis.”
President Vladimir Putin speaks during the Victory Day celebrations on May 9. Photo: Russian Presidential Information and Press Office/TASS
The Russian president once again stressed that the war in Ukraine is a "special military operation" and said that "the future of our country depends on it".
He added that “Western globalist elites” were spreading Russophobia and aggressive nationalism, while the Ukrainian people had become “hostages of a state coup” and Western ambitions.
Russia's World War II commemoration of the Allied victory over Nazi Germany comes amid heightened tensions with the West and heightened security following recent drone attacks on Russian territory.
Russian soldiers march towards Red Square to take part in the Victory Day parade in Moscow, Russia on May 9, 2023, marking the 78th anniversary of the end of World War II. Photo: AP
President Putin ended his speech with: "To Russia! To our brave armed forces! Victory!". Photo: TASS
More than 10,000 soldiers from all branches of the armed forces took part in the Victory Day parade. Photo: TASS
Russian RS-24 Yars ballistic missiles move towards Red Square to participate in the parade. Photo: AP
A large convoy of tanks and armored vehicles paraded during Victory Day. Photo: AP
Iskander, a mobile short-range ballistic missile system launcher, moves during the Victory Day parade. Photo: AP
Victory Day is one of Russia's biggest national holidays, when people commemorate the sacrifices of more than 20 million Soviets who died in World War II. However, due to security concerns, authorities have scaled back military parades on the day.
In a speech last year in Red Square, Mr Putin criticised NATO for constantly expanding the borders of the US-led military alliance and praised the heroism of the Soviet Union in fighting Hitler's Nazi Germany.
Bui Huy (according to TASS, AP, Sputnik)
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