Moscow: Russia held a Victory Day parade today on the smallest scale in years, amid fears of an attack from Ukraine. During his speech at the ceremony, President Vladimir Putin compared events from World War II to the current conflict in Ukraine, declaring that Russia would emerge victorious, just as the Soviet Union had won World War II.
According to Thai News Agency, President Putin offered congratulations on "Victory Day," the most important and sacred day of the nation, stating that all Russians celebrate with pride and a sense of duty to protect the interests and future of the homeland, while also expressing gratitude to the ancestors who won the war. He emphasized that preserving the true history of the "Great Patriotic War" is a matter of honor, glorifying the heroism of the Soviet Union as the main force in suppressing Nazism, saving the world from evil, and restoring sovereignty to various European countries. He argued that even though the Nazi army mobilized all its resources to destroy Russia in the past, it was defeated by the "strong spirit" of the Soviet people.
Furthermore, Putin linked history to the present situation, stating that the heroism of their ancestors has become an inspiration to Russian soldiers currently operating in a "Special Military Operation" against NATO-backed forces, yet the Russian troops continue to advance. At the end, the Russian president emphasized that the key to success was the moral strength, courage, and unity of the nation, expressing unwavering confidence that this mission was the right one.
The military parade in Red Square is a national holiday of utmost importance to Russians, celebrating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany and commemorating the 27 million Soviet citizens, including many Ukrainians, who died in the war. Normally, the ceremony showcases immense military power, including nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles. However, this year there were no tanks or other military equipment rolling across the cobblestones of Red Square.