Arabic version: بوتين يبرر حرب أوكرانيا خلال عرض يوم النصر المتقلص

Vladimir Putin delivered a speech at the scaled-back Victory Day parade in Moscow, using the occasion to justify the ongoing war in Ukraine and criticize NATO. Speaking to hundreds of military personnel and a select group of foreign leaders, Putin described the conflict as a “just” war, labeling Ukraine as an “aggressive force” supported by the whole bloc of NATO. According to BBC News, this year’s celebrations were notably subdued across Russia, marking a stark contrast to previous years.

For the first time in years, the parade did not feature any armored vehicles or ballistic missiles. Instead, military personnel marched in formation under heightened security. Putin commemorated the sacrifices of World War Two soldiers, stating that their legacy inspires current military efforts. He emphasized the contributions of various sectors of society to the war effort, including scientists and teachers.

Following his speech, traditional cannon fire and music from a military brass band marked the occasion. Foreign dignitaries included leaders from Belarus, Malaysia, and Uzbekistan, although fewer world leaders attended compared to previous years, where attendance was significantly higher.

The celebrations extended to other Russian cities, including Vladivostok, where a parade and an Immortal Regiment march occurred, honoring war veterans. However, many events were either canceled or held virtually due to security concerns and internet outages.

The reduced scale of the parade was attributed to the current operational situation in Ukraine, with Russian officials stating that military equipment is needed on the battlefield rather than in public displays. After the parade, Russia’s defense ministry accused Ukraine of violating a recently announced ceasefire, which both nations had agreed to observe during the commemorative period.