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Putin: Russian Troops Fighting NATO-Backed Force in Ukraine
🇱🇹 Lithuania /Conflict & Security

Putin: Russian Troops Fighting NATO-Backed Force in Ukraine

From Delfi · (2h ago) Lithuanian

Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the Russian military is fighting NATO-backed forces in Ukraine, emphasizing the righteousness of Moscow's cause.
  • Putin addressed troops during a military parade in Moscow, which notably excluded heavy military hardware this year due to concerns over Ukrainian drones.
  • The parade was attended by Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and a reduced number of foreign guests, occurring shortly after a reported three-day ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement.

President Vladimir Putin asserted that Russia's military operation in Ukraine is a righteous endeavor against a 'hostile' force backed by NATO. Speaking at the annual military parade in Moscow's Red Square, Putin invoked the historical 'great feat' of the Red Army during World War II to inspire current soldiers undertaking their mission in Ukraine.

The 'great' feat of the Red Army in the fight against Nazi Germany inspires the soldiers who are today fulfilling the goals of the special military operation in Ukraine.

— Vladimir PutinPutin's speech at the military parade, drawing a parallel between past and present conflicts.

This year's parade presented a noticeably scaled-down display, with the conspicuous absence of heavy military hardware. This deviation from tradition is attributed to concerns over potential Ukrainian drone attacks, a reflection of the ongoing conflict's reach even into Russia's symbolic heartland. The event also saw fewer foreign dignitaries than in previous years, underscoring the international isolation Russia faces.

Moscow's cause is 'righteous'.

— Vladimir PutinPutin's assertion of the justification for Russia's actions in Ukraine.

Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, who recently assumed the role, thanked the troops for their service. The parade's subdued nature and the context of a reported ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement, allegedly brokered by former US President Donald Trump, paint a complex picture of the current state of the conflict. From a Russian perspective, as articulated by Putin, the narrative remains one of defending national interests against external aggression, drawing parallels to historical struggles for survival and justice.

Fearing Ukrainian drones, the parade in Russia is taking place without heavy military equipment this year.

— DelfiAn observation about the security measures taken during the parade.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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