Russian army parade in Moscow on Victory Day
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that a “real war” was being waged against Russia again. The statement was made during the Victory Day speech commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany.
“Today, civilization once again stands at a crucial turning point. A real war was unleashed against our motherland. We fight off international terrorism,” he said.
The Russian president also said that “Western globalist elites” are sowing Russophobia and aggressive nationalism, while the Ukrainian people have become “hostages to a coup d’état” and Western ambitions.
1 of 5 Putin speaks in Moscow’s Red Square this Tuesday (9) — Photo: Portal Putin speaks in Moscow’s Red Square this Tuesday (9) — Photo: Portal
The speech lasted about 10 minutes and was held on Red Square in Moscow. Putin said Russia wants to see a peaceful future.
During the speech, the Russian leader claimed that the West had forgotten the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.
2 of 5 Russian President Vladimir Putin during a speech in Moscow on Victory Day May 9, 2023 — Photo: Gavriil Grigorov/Sputnik via Portal Russian President Vladimir Putin during a speech in Moscow on Victory Day May 9, 2023 — Photo: Gavriil Grigorov /Sputnik via Portal
Putin hailed Russian forces in Ukraine as heroes fighting the West for the country’s future.
“The whole country has come together to support our heroes. Everyone is ready to help and pray for you,” he said.
No Western leader took part in Tuesday’s parade, which was heavily scaled down, with little military equipment and no use of aircraft. Only one tank participated.
Victory Day
3 of 5 In this May 2, 1945 file photo, Soviet soldiers hoist the red flag over the Reichstag after the fall of Berlin, one of the iconic images of World War II, taken by renowned photographer Yevgeny Khaldei May 2, 1945 File photo, Soviet soldiers hoist after the Fall of Berlin the red flag over the Reichstag, one of the iconic images of WWII, taken by renowned photographer Yevgeny Khaldei — Photo: Yevgeny Khaldei/iTARTASS File Photo via AP
Along with the defeat of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in 1812, the crushing of Nazi Germany is Russia’s most revered military triumph.
On May 8, 1945, the Allies triumphed over the Nazi regime, marking the end of World War II.
As a result, starting in 1967 in countries under the influence of the former Soviet Union, Victory Day was celebrated on May 9, the date Soviet troops achieved the surrender of Nazi forces, and became a national holiday.
Most Western European countries celebrate Victory Day on May 8th.
attacks in Ukraine
4 of 5 wreckage of Russian missiles hit a house on the outskirts of Kiev on May 9, 2023 — Photo: Ukrainian Police/via Portal Wreckage of Russian missiles hit a house on the outskirts of Kiev on May 9, 2023 — Photo: Ukrainian Police/via Portal
Previously, Ukraine was the target of new Russian attacks. Russian officials said they managed to shoot down 23 of the 25 rockets fired at Kiev. There are no reports of injuries.
This was the second consecutive night of major Russian airstrikes and the fifth this month.
Debris fell on a house in Holosiivsky district, southwestern Kiev, but caused little damage, the capital’s mayor Vitalii Klitschko said.
Moscow denies attacking civilians and says its airstrikes are aimed at reducing Ukraine’s combat capability.
5 of 5 President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen during a visit to Kiev on May 9, 2023 — Photo: Viacheslav Ratynskyi/Portal President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen during a visit to Kiev on May 9, 2023 — Photo : Viacheslav Ratynskyi/ Portal
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen traveled to Kiev on Tuesday for talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.