News Desk
MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday that Russian troops fighting in Ukraine were confronting an “aggressive force” backed by the entire NATO alliance, describing Moscow’s war objectives as “just” during a combative address at the annual Victory Day parade on Red Square.
Putin has long used the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in the Second World War as a central pillar of his political narrative, and the commemorations typically feature large-scale military displays and international participation.
However, this year’s parade was significantly scaled down following a series of Ukrainian long-range strikes in recent weeks, prompting tighter security measures. For the first time in nearly two decades, no heavy military hardware was displayed, and attendance by foreign leaders was limited largely to Russia’s closest allies.
The event took place amid a three-day ceasefire agreement observed by both Moscow and Kyiv over the Victory Day period, following a last-minute appeal from US President Donald Trump. Russia had warned of a “massive” response if the Ukrainian military disrupted the commemorations.
Addressing troops on Red Square, including units from North Korea, Putin linked the Soviet wartime legacy to Russia’s current military campaign in Ukraine, saying those fighting were continuing the “goals of the special military operation”. “They are confronting an aggressive force armed and supported by the entire NATO bloc,” he said.
“Despite this, our heroes move forward.” “I firmly believe that our cause is just,” he added. Trump said the pause in fighting was intended as a step towards ending what he called a “very long, deadly, and hard-fought war”, and suggested it could be accompanied by a prisoner exchange.
