Russia's President Vladimir Putin reiterated his country's readiness to combat external threats during his speech at Moscow's Red Square on Victory Day. The annual May 9 procession commemorates the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II and serves as a platform for Putin to showcase Russia's military strength and rally public support.
Despite a smaller display of soldiers and military equipment compared to previous years, Putin emphasized Russia's commitment to preventing global confrontation while maintaining readiness to defend against any threats. He acknowledged the challenging period Russia is going through and highlighted the importance of unity in defending the motherland.
The Victory Day parade featured 9,000 participants and 70 pieces of military equipment, a decrease from the previous year's numbers. Several world leaders from ex-Soviet countries attended the event, while 'unfriendly countries' were excluded from the guest list due to their aggressive policies toward Russia.
Putin's Victory Day address followed his recent inauguration for a fifth term in office, solidifying his long-standing presence in Russian politics. The ceremony, held at the Kremlin, was boycotted by the United States and many European nations, citing concerns over the legitimacy of Russia's elections.
Putin's portrayal of the Ukraine invasion as a patriotic response to perceived Western threats has been met with skepticism by Kyiv and its allies. His continued leadership in Russia, marked by constitutional changes to extend term limits, underscores his enduring influence in the country.
