President Vladimir Putin while addressing the Victory Day parade in Moscow stated that the world is at a “turning point,” as various events throughout the country are being canceled due to security concerns.
The yearly military parade honors the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany during WWII.
Putin attempted to link Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to the fight against Nazism once more, stating that Russia was preserving its sovereignty.
Addressing the crowds in Red Square, President Putin said “Today civilisation is again at a decisive turning point.”
“A real war has again been unleashed against our Motherland but we have countered international terrorism, we will protect the inhabitants of the Donbas and we will protect our country.”
He noted Russia wants to see a “peaceful future”, but said the Western elites are sowing the seeds of “hatred and Russophobia”.
Victory Day marks the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.
Germany officially signed its surrender late on 8 May, which was already 9 May Moscow time.
The Soviet Union had lost around 27 million citizens during World War Two, far more than any other country involved in the conflict; it is often said that every Soviet family lost at least one immediate or distant relative in the war.
On Sunday night, Russia launched its largest drone attack on Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Ukraine, like the rest of Europe, is commemorating Europe Day, which aims to promote peace on the continent.