Putin at Moscow Military Parade: Victory Will Always Be Ours

On the anniversary of Victory Day, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed a military parade on Red Square, drawing parallels between the Soviet Union's victory in World War II and Russia's current objectives. Putin declared that Russia would defend its interests in the ongoing conflict, echoing the historical narrative of overcoming a grave threat.

His speech focused heavily on the sacrifices made during the Great Patriotic War, emphasizing the Soviet soldier's role in liberating Europe and embodying courage and resilience. Putin asserted that the Russian spirit, a factor underestimated by Nazi strategists in 1941, remains a crucial element of the nation's strength.

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Our soldier made huge sacrifices in the name of the freedom of the peoples of Europe. He became the embodiment of courage, endurance, and humanity.

In a direct reference to the conflict in Ukraine, which he termed a "special military operation," Putin accused NATO of backing aggression against Russia. He expressed firm belief in the righteousness of Russia's cause, concluding with a resolute statement: "Together we are. Victory has always been and will always be ours."

Notably, the parade occurred amidst an unusual development from Kyiv, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly signed a decree "allowing" the event to proceed for "humanitarian reasons" after negotiations with the US. This peculiar allowance, if accurate, adds a layer of complex diplomatic and psychological maneuvering to the already charged atmosphere of the day.

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Our cause is just. Together we are. Victory has always been and will always be ours.