Putin warns of global clash as Russia marks Victory Day
Russia’s President Putin pledges to prevent a global clash while asserting Russia’s readiness to counter threats during a speech on Red Square
Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the West of courting global conflict, asserting that Russia, as the world’s largest nuclear power, will not tolerate threats. Putin’s remarks came as Russia commemorated the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II.
Amid the advancing Russian troops against Ukraine’s Western-supported forces, Putin condemned the “arrogance” of Western elites, alleging their disregard for the Soviet Union’s pivotal role in defeating Nazi Germany and their involvement in escalating conflicts worldwide.
Speaking from Red Square amid a rare May blizzard, Putin emphasized Russia’s commitment to preventing a global clash while maintaining the readiness of its strategic forces. Putin framed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as part of a larger struggle with the West dating back to the aftermath of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.
“Dear friends, Russia is now going through a difficult, crucial period. The fate of the Motherland, its future depends on each of us,” Putin said.
The West views Russia’s actions in Ukraine as an imperialistic land grab, with Ukraine and its allies vowing to resist. Currently, Russia controls approximately 18% of Ukraine, including Crimea and parts of eastern regions, which it claims as historically Russian territory.
Putin highlighted the immense sacrifices made by the Soviet Union during World War II, acknowledging the pivotal battles that shaped the outcome. He underscored Russia’s remembrance of its allies and the significant battles from Moscow to Kyiv that decided the fate of mankind.
“We know what the exorbitance of such ambitions leads to. Russia will do everything to prevent a global clash. But at the same time, we will not allow anyone to threaten us. Our strategic forces are always in a state of combat readiness,” Putin said.
The Victory Day parade in Moscow was notably scaled down, reflective of the strains of the ongoing conflict. Amid chilling temperatures, Russia displayed symbolic military assets, including a single T-34 tank and the Yars intercontinental strategic missile.
Foreign dignitaries from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Cuba, Laos, and Guinea-Bissau attended the event. However, the presence of Western leaders has notably dwindled since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Amid escalating tensions, Russian officials warn that the Ukraine crisis is entering a perilous phase. Recent developments include U.S. President Joe Biden’s approval of substantial aid to Ukraine, Britain’s endorsement of Ukraine’s right to strike back with British weapons, and France’s refusal to rule out military intervention.
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Putin has repeatedly framed the current fight against Ukraine as an existential battle against “Nazism,” a message he reiterated in his address Thursday.
“We bow our heads before the memory of civilians killed by barbaric shelling and terrorist attacks by neo-Nazis,” Putin said.
“Those on the front line, on the line of contact – are our heroes. We bow before your steadfastness and self-sacrifice, selflessness. All Russia is with you,” he added.
Source: Newsroom
