Russian President Vladimir Putin used his annual Victory Day address in Moscow’s Red Square to defend Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine and sharply criticize North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato).
Speaking before hundreds of soldiers and military officials during the May 9 celebrations, Putin described the conflict in Ukraine as a “just war” and accused Nato of backing what he called an aggressive Ukrainian government. According to the Russian leader, Moscow is confronting a military force supported by the entire Western alliance.
Victory Day remains one of Russia’s most important national commemorations, marking the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany during World War II. However, this year’s celebrations were more restrained than in previous years due to heightened security concerns linked to the war in Ukraine and fears of possible drone attacks.
Ahead of the ceremonies, Russia and Ukraine agreed to observe a temporary three-day ceasefire announced by Donald Trump. Despite the truce, Russia’s defence ministry later accused Ukraine of violating the ceasefire, although no evidence was immediately provided. Ukrainian authorities did not comment directly on the accusations.
Unlike previous years, the military parade in Red Square did not feature tanks, ballistic missiles or heavy armoured vehicles. Russian officials explained that much of the military equipment remains deployed on the battlefield in Ukraine.
During his speech, Putin paid tribute to Soviet soldiers who fought in World War II and linked their sacrifices to Russian troops currently engaged in what Moscow continues to describe as a “special military operation” in Ukraine.
He also praised Russian workers, scientists, teachers, doctors and military personnel for supporting the country during the ongoing conflict.
After the address, artillery salutes were fired and military aircraft flew over Moscow displaying the colours of the Russian flag.
Several foreign leaders attended the ceremony, including Alexander Lukashenko, Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Robert Fico, who was the only European Union leader present at the event.
North Korean soldiers also participated in the parade, highlighting the growing military and diplomatic ties between Moscow and Pyongyang.
Following the ceremony, Putin laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before hosting a reception at the Kremlin.
Victory Day commemorations were also organized in several Russian cities including Vladivostok, Saint Petersburg and Krasnoyarsk. However, some parades were cancelled or scaled back because of security concerns and the ongoing war.
Since the launch of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Victory Day celebrations have increasingly been used to demonstrate national unity and military strength. This year’s reduced military display nevertheless reflected the pressure of a prolonged conflict that continues to consume significant military resources.
Although the temporary ceasefire appeared to hold during the Moscow parade, both Russia and Ukraine have continued accusing each other of repeated violations in recent days, casting doubt on the prospects for a longer-term truce.
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