Putin's Victory Day Speech and NATO Criticism
Vladimir Putin delivered his annual Victory Day address in Moscow's Red Square, using the occasion to justify Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine and to criticize NATO. Speaking before hundreds of military personnel and accompanied by several world leaders, the Russian president described the conflict as a "just" war and labeled Ukraine as an "aggressive force" that is "armed and supported by the whole bloc of Nato."
His speech coincided with subdued celebrations in parts of Russia marking the country's most significant national holiday, which honors the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two.
Before the festivities, Russia and Ukraine agreed to a three-day ceasefire, announced by US President Donald Trump on Friday.
For the first time in nearly twenty years, no military hardware was displayed during Moscow's Victory Day parade.
Despite this, under heightened security measures, large numbers of military personnel marched across Red Square.
Commemoration and Justification of the War
Putin began his speech by honoring the sacrifices made by Soviet soldiers during World War Two.
"The great feat of the generation of victors inspires the soldiers carrying out the goals of the special military operation today,"
he stated, referring to the war in Ukraine.
"They are confronting an aggressive force armed and supported by the whole bloc of Nato. And despite this, our heroes move forward."
The Russian leader also praised the contributions of Russian citizens to the war effort, highlighting the roles of scientists, inventors, military correspondents, doctors, and teachers.
"No matter how military tactics change, the future of the country is being provided for by the people,"
he added.
Following the speech, cannons fired successive rounds, and a military brass band performed music.
Standing behind Putin was Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko. Also present at the event were Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith and Malaysia's King, Sultan Ibrahim.
The number of attending world leaders was notably lower than at last year's 80th anniversary parade, which included China's President Xi Jinping and Brazil's Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Russian television viewers were shown footage of soldiers on the front lines immediately after Putin's speech.
Regional Celebrations and Parades
Prior to the Moscow parade, other Victory Day celebrations took place in cities across Russia's eastern regions.
In the far-eastern city of Vladivostok, residents participated in a march honoring war veterans known as the Immortal Regiment march.
Some regional parades included military vehicles, though most were reported to be from World War Two rather than modern equipment, according to Russian state media.
Other parades and public celebrations were canceled altogether.
Context of the War and Parade Adjustments
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and the conflict has continued for over four years.
Despite ongoing troop and equipment deployments to the front lines, previous annual Moscow Victory Day parades had featured military hardware such as tanks, missiles, and other weaponry.
However, officials announced last week that this year's parade would be scaled back due to the "current operational situation."
Russian MP Yevgeny Popov told the BBC earlier this week,
"Our tanks are busy right now. They are fighting. We need them more on the battlefield than on Red Square."
Security was also increased, with concerns about Ukrainian drone threats cited as justification for reducing the scale of the parade.
Ceasefire and Ongoing Tensions
The three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine appeared to hold during the parades across parts of Russia.
Putin had announced a ceasefire for 8-9 May, while Kyiv called for an indefinite truce starting 6 May.
Since these announcements, both countries have accused each other of numerous ceasefire violations on the battlefield.
