Putin at May 9 Parade: 'Russian Army is Advancing in Ukraine'

On the occasion of Victory Day, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that the nation's armed forces are making progress in Ukraine, even as they face opposition bolstered by the entire NATO bloc. Speaking in Red Square during the military parade marking the 81st anniversary of the Red Army's triumph over Nazi Germany, Putin emphasized that Russian soldiers are upholding the heroic traditions of their predecessors from the Great Patriotic War. He extended congratulations on this 'most important, sacred, and glorious holiday,' stressing the collective duty to defend the Fatherland's interests and future. Putin asserted that the Red Army's victory not only saved the Soviet Union but also liberated Europe from the Nazi advance. He invoked the principle of 'loyalty to the Fatherland' as the supreme truth, drawing a personal connection by mentioning his father's service in World War II. The Russian leader underscored national unity, moral strength, and resilience as keys to the nation's success, concluding with a confident assertion that 'our cause is just. We are together, and victory was and will always be ours.' The parade was attended by leaders from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malaysia, and Uzbekistan, with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico expected to meet Putin separately. Notably, for the first time since 2007, the parade did not feature heavy weaponry, a decision attributed by the Kremlin to a perceived terrorist threat from Ukraine.

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Even if fighting against an aggressive force supported by the entire NATO bloc, our heroes continue to advance.