A military parade took place this Thursday, May 9 in Moscow to celebrate the victory of the Soviet Union in 1945.
Defying the “Western elites”, Vladimir Putin recalled that Russian strategic nuclear forces were always on alert.
“We will not allow anyone to threaten us,” he assured.
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More than two years of war in Ukraine
Having just been inaugurated for a fifth term, Russian President Vladimir Putin is once again challenging his enemies. Like every year, this Thursday, May 9, he supervised a major military parade on Moscow’s Red Square, to commemorate the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in 1945. The head of the Kremlin has long mobilized the memory of the Second World War – which left 27 million dead on the Soviet side – to present itself as heir to the power of the USSR and legitimize its own power.
He took advantage of his speech to discuss “special military operation” in Ukraine, more than two years after the start of the war. Addressing soldiers and veterans, he recalled that “Russian strategic nuclear forces are still on alert” and ready for battle. A sign of an ever-deepening break with the West, he recently ordered tactical nuclear exercises, involving troops stationed near Ukraine, in response to “threat” Western attacks targeting Russia.
“Dangerous ambitions” of Westerners
“Russia will do everything to avoid a global confrontation. But, at the same time, we will not allow anyone to threaten us. We will not allow anyone to threaten us.”, he continued. The Russian army has made several small advances in eastern Ukraine in recent months and is in a much better position than last year, despite losses.
The truth about World War II is eroded
Vladimir Poutine
The Russian president then spoke of“dangerous ambitions” Westerners: “The truth about the Second World War is eroded, everyone is trying to destroy the memorials honoring veterans. Western elites want to forget our achievement”. Finally, he described May 9 as “the most important sacred holiday in Russia”paying homage “to those who defended our native land and liberated Europe” between 1941 and 1945.
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However, the May 9 festivities in Russia were scaled back due to security concerns. Only a few heads of state were present, such as those of Belarus, Kazakhstan or Turkmenistan, to accompany Vladimir Putin, isolated on the international scene. Parades were also canceled near the Ukrainian and Estonian borders.
