Russian President Vladimir Putin used Victory Day celebrations to defend the war in Ukraine and criticize NATO support for Kyiv.
Speaking at Russia’s annual Victory Day parade in Moscow’s Red Square, Vladimir Putin described the war in Ukraine as a “just” fight against what he called an “aggressive force” backed by NATO. The Russian president said Russian troops were protecting the country’s future while honoring the sacrifices made during World War Two.
The speech came as Russia and Ukraine observed a temporary three-day ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump ahead of the celebrations. Tight security surrounded the event, with fears of Ukrainian drone attacks leading authorities to scale back this year’s military display.
For the first time in years, the Moscow parade featured no tanks or ballistic missiles. Russian officials said much of the military equipment is currently being used on the battlefield in Ukraine. Several foreign leaders attended the ceremony, including Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Victory Day remains Russia’s biggest national holiday, marking the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two.
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