Putin’s remarks came during the Victory Day Speech on the 77th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II
The President of Russia – Vladimir Putin today, i.e., Monday, May 9, 2022, described the invasion of Ukraine as a pre-emptive move against potential aggression and fight for the security of Russia.
His remarks came during the 11-minute Victory Day Speech to mark the 77th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. He said Russia was under threat by Western countries and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), accusing them of preparing an attack on Crimea, which Moscow’s forces annexed from Ukraine in 2014.
Speaking on the occasion, Putin said, “They were preparing a punishing operation in Donbas to intrude on our historic lands. In Kyiv they were saying they might get nuclear weapons and NATO started exploring the lands close to us, and that became an obvious threat to us and our borders.”
He said that the soldiers in Ukraine are fighting for the same cause as their grandfathers did during World War II.
Putin further said, “Last year, we suggested to NATO countries that we sign a security treaty, but they did not want to hear us, they had completely different plans, and an attack on Crimea was being prepared.”
The Victory Day celebrations at Red Square included a huge parade by thousands of soldiers, demonstrating Russia’s strength by presenting tanks, rockets and intercontinental ballistic missiles. Putin said that despite disagreements in international relations, Russia has always advocated the creation of a system of equal and indivisible security, a system that is vital for the entire international community.
Praising his soldiers fighting in Ukraine, Putin said, “You are fighting for your Motherland, its future.” He finished his speech with a rallying cry to the assembled soldiers, “For Russia, for victory, hurrah!”
The Victory Day march was led by Volodymyr Saldo, a pro-Russian local official who has been named Kherson Governor and is now being investigated for treason by Ukraine.
Separately, the Ministry of Defence, United Kingdom (U.K.) said that Russia is running short of precision-guided munitions and is starting to use more inaccurate rockets. However, Russia said it has enough ammunition and is developing new-generation hypersonic missiles to carry out attacks from air, land and sea.
The President of Ukraine – Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that the Victory Day anniversary could bring a renewed onslaught. Putin has repeatedly likened the war in Ukraine to the challenge the Soviet Union faced when Adolf Hitler invaded in 1941. Ukraine and its allies reject the accusation of Nazism and the assertion that Russia is fighting for survival against an aggressive West.
The First Lady of the United States (U.S.) – Jill Biden met her Ukrainian counterpart – Olena Zelenska in Ukraine as Washington announced further sanctions on Russia. The two First Ladies met at a school in the border town of Uzhhorod. The U.S. imposed new sanctions include visa curbs on 2,600 Russian and Belarusian individuals. A total of 3 Russian TV stations and executives from Gazprombank have also been sanctioned by the U.S.
