Beginning his speech, Vladimir Putin referred to the ongoing special military operation in Ukraine (a propaganda term for the war in Ukraine – ed.). According to the president of Russia, the authorities of Western countries support forces that clearly refer to the “losing side in the Great Patriotic War” (World War II – ed.).
– Retaliation and mockery of history. Justifying Nazism is part of the general policy of Western elites, he said.
– Today we see how they are trying to distort the truth about World War II. This bothers those who are used to building their own essentially a colonial policy based on hypocrisy and lies. They tear down monuments of truth to those fighting Nazism, place traitors on pedestals, erase the memory of the heroism and nobility of soldiers, he added.
According to the Russian president, “The West is trying ignite world conflicts, inter-ethnic hostility and limit sovereign development centers“.
Later in the speech, Putin emphasized that the troops of the Russian Federation are prepared for further conflicts and will respond to threats to the country's security.
– We reject claims of exclusivity by any country or alliance. We know what excessive ambition leads to. Russia will do everything to prevent a global conflict, but at the same time we will not allow anyone to threaten us. Our strategic forces are always combat ready – he explained.
At the same time, the President of Russia stated that the country “is going through a difficult, transitional period“, and “the fate of the homeland and its future depend on every” citizen.
– We celebrate Victory Day in the context of a special military operation. All its participants who are on the front line, on the line of combat contact, are our heroes. We bow to your perseverance and dedication. All of Russia is with you. Our veterans believe in you and care about you. Their spiritual involvement in your fate and exploits inextricably links generations of heroes of the homeland, he emphasized.
Victory Day in Russia. Victory Parade in Moscow
Traditionally, the Victory Day parade started at 10:00 Moscow time (9 in Poland – ed.). The events on Red Square in the Russian capital will last about two hours, during which the officials and residents gathered there will hear, among others, a speech by President Vladimir Putin and will also see a commemorative military parade.
According to information provided by state services, in front of the Kremlin walls A total of 9,000 soldiers and 75 various types of equipment will march. The parade will begin with an honorary guard of the Russian army, a mechanized column will begin with a Soviet-made T-34 tank, and the whole event will end with a show of the Russian air force.
Traditionally, after the end of the parade, President Vladimir Putin, together with government officials and foreign guests, will go to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
– After the parade, our president and foreign leaders will take part in celebration of joint laying of flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Alexander Garden. Then, there will be a reception in the Kremlin on behalf of our president for the heads of delegations present at the parade, said Yuri Ushakov, adviser to the Russian president.
As the official said in this year's events related to Victory Day Leaders from eight countries will participate: Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Laos, Guinea-Bissau and Cuba.
Victory Day is in the Russian Federation as well as several other countries of the former Soviet Union a public holiday, a day off from work. Many cities organize special events commemorating the end of World War II, including military shows and concerts.
The main celebrations have been organized in Moscow since 1995. Since then, an army march through Red Square has been organized every year. Initially, only infantry units took part in the event, but since 2008, by the decision of President Vladimir Putin, military equipment units are also involved in the parade.