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Putin justifies Ukraine invasion during Victory Day address
Russian President Vladimir Putin used his annual Victory Day speech in Moscow to frame the war in Ukraine as a "just" struggle against NATO-backed aggression, addressing hundreds of military personnel in Red Square.
Muted celebrations amid security concerns
This year's Victory Day parade, marking the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany, was notably subdued. For the first time in years, no armored vehicles or ballistic missiles were displayed, with officials citing the "current operational situation" on the front lines.
A Russian lawmaker told the BBC that tanks were needed more in combat than in the parade, stating, "Our tanks are busy right now. They are fighting."
Ceasefire holds briefly before accusations fly
A three-day ceasefire, announced by U.S. officials and agreed upon by Moscow and Kyiv, took effect ahead of the celebrations. While the truce appeared to hold during the parade, Russia's defense ministry later accused Ukraine of violating it, though no details were provided. Ukraine did not immediately respond to the claim.
Putin links WWII sacrifices to current war
In his speech, Putin honored Soviet soldiers who died in World War II, drawing a direct parallel to Russian troops currently fighting in Ukraine. He described Ukrainian forces as an "aggressive" entity backed by NATO, asserting that Russian soldiers were advancing despite the alliance's support.
"The great feat of the generation of victors inspires the soldiers carrying out the goals of the special military operation today."
Vladimir Putin, Russian President
The president also praised Russian civilians contributing to the war effort, including scientists, doctors, and teachers, framing their work as essential to the country's future.
Fewer global leaders attend as security tightens
This year's parade saw a sharp decline in foreign dignitaries compared to the 80th-anniversary celebrations in 2025, which drew 27 world leaders. Among the attendees were Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim, and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was the sole EU representative present.
Security was heightened due to fears of Ukrainian drone attacks, leading to the cancellation of some regional parades and a shift to virtual events, though internet outages were expected to disrupt them.
Nationwide commemorations proceed with caution
Victory Day events unfolded across Russia, though on a smaller scale than in previous years. In Vladivostok, a parade and an "Immortal Regiment" march honored veterans, while similar gatherings were reported in Krasnoyarsk and St. Petersburg. Other cities canceled their celebrations entirely.
After the Red Square ceremony, Putin laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before attending a Kremlin reception.
Victory Day's dual role in Russian narrative
Under Putin, Victory Day has served as both a commemoration of the Soviet Union's WWII sacrifices-where 27 million citizens died-and a propaganda tool to showcase military strength. This year's scaled-back event reflects the ongoing demands of the war in Ukraine, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
