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The outside world has declared war on Russia and the world is now facing a “turning point”, says Russian President Vladimir Putin during today’s Victory Day celebrations on Red Square in Moscow.
– For Russia, for our armed forces, for victory! Hurray!
According to President Putin, Russia’s future rests on the Russian soldiers participating in the fighting in Ukraine.
– Today’s civilization is once again at a decisive turning point, he says in his speech in connection with the military parade, where, among other things, veterans and soldiers from Russia’s war in Ukraine participate.
The speech comes over 14 months after Russia’s large-scale offensive in Ukraine at the end of February last year. According to Putin, the West’s “ambitions, arrogance and impunity” are to blame for the conflict.
– There is nothing more important now than your combat effort, Putin says to the soldiers.
– The country’s security rests on you today, the future of our state and our people depends on you.
– A war has been declared against our motherland, he continues and calls for victory for the Russian forces.
On May 9, the capitulation of Nazi Germany and the end of the Second World War are celebrated with military parades in several places in Russia. The biggest parade is held on Red Square in Moscow. In recent years, the May 9 celebration has become increasingly nationalistic and the parade is seen by many as a Russian test of strength.
However, in several Russian regions, such as Belgorod, Kursk, Voronezh, Oryol, Pskov, Russian-occupied Crimea and Saratov, today’s traditional parades have been canceled citing the ongoing war and possible terrorist threats.