Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a new message about the war in Ukraine during the big military parade in Red Square, as part of the celebrations for Victory Day.
In Moscow, the May 9 celebrations continue to be one of the country’s most important political and military events, with the Russian president using the day each year to send messages both domestically and to the international community.
Speaking in front of Russia’s political and military leadership, as well as thousands of attendees, Putin sought to link today’s conflict to the Soviet Union’s historic struggle against Nazi Germany.
He said: “The great achievement of the victorious generation (against Adolf Hitler) is today an inspiration for the soldiers conducting the special military operation (in Ukraine).”
The Russian president then turned his arrows to the West, especially NATO, saying Russian forces are facing organized military support.
“They are facing an aggressive force that is armed and supported by the whole of NATO,” Putin said from the podium at the ceremony.
The parade in Red Square took place under increased security measures, and the focus was on Moscow’s military messages to the West. This year’s event was particularly symbolic, as the Russian leadership consistently attempts to portray the war in Ukraine as a continuation of a broader struggle against external threats.
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