Putin criticized NATO at the Victory Day parade and called the war in Ukraine "just." He said Russia is fighting against an "aggressive force" supported by NATO.
The parade on Moscow's Red Square was shortened this year due to security reasons. For the first time, heavy armored vehicles and ballistic missiles were not displayed. Nevertheless, the parade with military personnel took place under heightened security.
In his speech, Putin remembered the heroes of World War II and said that participants in the "special military operation" in Ukraine draw inspiration from them.
Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim, and Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also attended the event. From the EU, only Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico came.
After the parade, the Russian Defense Ministry accused Ukraine of violating the three-day ceasefire. Ukraine has not yet commented on this.
