Moscow, May 9, (dpa/GNA) – Russian President Vladimir Putin justified Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Tuesday while addressing soldiers gathered in Moscow’s Red Square for the traditional military parade marking the 78th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.
“Today, civilization is once again at a decisive turning point,” Putin told those gathered for the event that was accompanied by extensive security precautions.
“A real war has been unleashed against our homeland,” he added, referring to the fighting in Ukraine that he launched more than a year ago. “But we have repelled international terrorism, we will protect the residents of the Donbass and we will ensure our security.”
Putin also reiterated his claim that Ukraine had become a “hostage” of Western states that seek to destroy Russia. “Their goal is (…) the disintegration and destruction of our country,” he said.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, repeatedly justifying this with the unsubstantiated claim that the West is threatening Russia.
Moscow has until recently insisted on calling the invasion only a “special military operation.”
Official figures said around 8,000 soldiers were deployed on Red Square, apparently including men who recently fought in Ukraine.
The traditional military parade on Red Square ended without an air show, despite clear skies above Moscow, as could be seen in the live broadcast on Russian television.
On show were mainly wheeled armoured vehicles, but main battle tanks were absent, aside from the historic T-34.
No official statement was given on the absence of battle tanks and aircraft, as usually the parade includes battle tanks.
In recent years, Moscow has mainly shown the latest Armata (T-14) tank.
In April, Russian media reported that the Armata would be used for the first time in Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Although initially, no foreign leaders were expected to attend, the leaders of former Soviet republics Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Armenia were at the ceremonies.
Ahead of the events, there had been speculation that the parade might be cancelled following what appeared to be a drone attack on the Kremlin.
Last week, two drones entered the Kremlin grounds but were brought down above the dome of the Senate Palace by air defences.
Moscow blames Kiev for the alleged attempted attack on Putin, while Ukraine says the whole incident was staged by Russia, amid the faltering war effort.
GNA