Moscow (TDI): Russian President Vladimir Putin used his Victory Day address in Moscow to defend Russia’s war in Ukraine, claiming Russian forces were fighting an “aggressive” Western-backed force supported by the entire Nato alliance.
Speaking during the annual military parade at Red Square, Putin linked Russia’s ongoing military campaign in Ukraine to the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, describing Moscow’s current objectives as “just”.
“The great feat of the generation of victors inspires the soldiers carrying out the goals of the special military operation today,” Putin said during the ceremony. He added that Russian troops were confronting forces “armed and supported by the entire Nato bloc.”
Victory Day remains one of Russia’s most important national commemorations and has long been central to Putin’s political messaging. However, this year’s celebrations were significantly scaled down amid security concerns following intensified Ukrainian drone strikes deep inside Russian territory.
For the first time in nearly 20 years, no heavy military hardware was displayed during the parade, while attendance by foreign leaders was also notably limited. Soldiers from North Korea participated alongside Russian units during the event.
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Security measures across Moscow were heightened, with major disruptions to mobile internet services and unusually quiet streets reported around the capital.
The ceremony took place under a newly announced three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine running from May 9 to May 11. The temporary truce followed an appeal by US President Donald Trump, who said he hoped the pause could become “the beginning of the end” of the war.
The ceasefire is also expected to facilitate a large prisoner exchange involving 1,000 detainees from each side.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Kyiv would observe the temporary truce and instructed Ukrainian forces not to target the Moscow parade.
“Red Square is less important to us than the lives of Ukrainian prisoners who can be returned home,” Zelensky said.
Both Russian and Ukrainian authorities reported a reduction in drone attacks overnight following the truce announcement, although both sides had continued exchanging strikes before it took effect.
Read More: Russia, Ukraine Exchange Heavy Strikes Despite Victory Day Truce
The conflict, now in its fifth year, remains Europe’s deadliest war since World War II and has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. International efforts to negotiate a lasting peace have made limited progress in recent months.
Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari congratulated Russia on Victory Day, praising the sacrifices made by the Russian people during World War II and reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to stronger ties with Moscow.
In his message to Putin, President Zardari said the Soviet victory against fascism remained a symbol of resilience and courage and expressed hope for deeper cooperation and friendship between Pakistan and Russia.
