Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a defiant speech during a military parade on Red Square to mark Victory Day, criticizing Ukraine and its Western allies for allegedly distorting history and inciting regional conflicts. Putin accused Western elites of abusing history and trying to justify neo-Nazi followers, particularly referencing authorities in Kyiv. The Kremlin typically uses Victory Day to promote patriotic unity and highlight Russia’s military strength, but some parades in Russia were canceled this year due to safety concerns related to the war in Ukraine. The Red Square military parade featured around 9,000 servicemen and 61 pieces of military equipment, including intercontinental ballistic missile systems and surface-to-air missile systems.
At the Red Square parade, Putin was joined by leaders of former Soviet republics and other countries, but Armenia’s Prime Minister notably skipped the event. Standing in front of military veterans, Putin linked the current war in Ukraine with the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazism in 1945, referring to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a “special military operation.” Putin mourned civilians and soldiers killed in Ukraine and warned of the possibility of Russia using nuclear weapons if it feels existentially threatened. The Russian president emphasized the importance of national unity in the face of the conflict in Ukraine and Western isolation, expressing confidence in a secure future for Russia.
While delivering his Victory Day address, Putin underscored the need for unity among all generations of Russians and reiterated his commitment to protecting the country from external threats. He also announced that Russia had conducted nuclear weapons exercises in response to perceived provocations from the West. Putin’s speech comes as Russian forces continue to make territorial gains in eastern Ukraine, with the president warning that Russia will not allow anyone to threaten it. He emphasized that Russia’s strategic forces are always on alert and that the country will take necessary measures to prevent a global clash while safeguarding its interests.
The Russian president’s speech at the Victory Day parade highlighted his assertion that Russia will not allow any threats to its security and will use all necessary means to defend itself. Putin’s comments regarding nuclear weapons exercises and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine underscored the high tensions between Russia and Western countries. By commemorating Victory Day in the context of the current war in Ukraine, Putin sought to position Russia as a defender against neo-Nazism and perceived Western aggression. The speech also aimed to foster national unity and project strength in the face of international challenges.
Overall, Putin’s address at the Victory Day parade was a mix of historical references, warnings to adversaries, and calls for unity among the Russian people. The speech underscored Putin’s commitment to defending Russia’s interests and maintaining national security, even at the risk of escalating tensions with the West. As the conflict in Ukraine continues and Russia asserts itself on the world stage, Putin’s rhetoric at the military parade signals a robust defense of Russian actions and a steadfast commitment to protecting the country’s sovereignty and unity.
