Putin Defends Ukraine Military Operation at Victory Day Parade

Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin, addressing the annual Victory Day ceremony in Moscow's Red Square, defended the ongoing military operation in Ukraine.

With the presence of hundreds of military personnel and a few limited world leaders, Putin claimed he was fighting a just war, accusing Ukraine of being an aggressive force armed and supported by the NATO bloc.

Putin made strong remarks about NATO's role on the occasion of Russia's biggest national holiday, which commemorates the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany. Ahead of this year's Victory Day ceremony, a three-day ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine was reached, which was announced by US President Donald Trump on Friday.

For the first time in nearly two decades, no military or war equipment was displayed at Moscow's Victory Day parade. However, a large number of military personnel marched in Red Square under tight security. At the beginning of his address, Putin recalled the sacrifices made by Soviet soldiers during World War II, mentioning that the soldiers deployed in Ukraine today are inspired by the bravery of that generation.

During his address, Putin stated that the soldiers involved in the Ukraine war are facing an aggressive force supported by NATO. He said, 'The great achievements of the victorious generation inspire the soldiers fulfilling the goals of the special military operation today. They are facing an aggressive force armed and supported by the entire NATO bloc, and despite this, our heroes are moving forward.'

Putin also praised Russian citizens, scientists, inventors, military correspondents, doctors, and teachers who contributed to the war effort. He argued that the future of the country would be ensured by the people, regardless of any changes in military strategy.

Putin's speech was followed by cannon fire and a performance by a military brass band. Leaders present at the ceremony included Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, and Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim.

Compared to last year's 80th-anniversary parade, which was attended by leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the presence of world leaders was significantly less this time.