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| The drummers from the Moscow Military Music College participate in a military parade on Victory Day. [Stanislav Krasilnikov/Sputnik/AP] |
Addressing crowds at Moscow's Red Square on Thursday to commemorate the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted the readiness of his forces to counter external threats.
Russia's annual May 9 Victory Day procession holds significant importance in Putin's agenda, serving as an opportunity to garner public support and showcase the nation's military prowess. Despite a scaled-down display compared to previous years, this year's Victory Day procession coincides with Russia's military advancements on the Ukrainian frontlines.
Following the inspection of tanks and troops parading through the capital, Putin delivered his speech, emphasizing Russia's determination to prevent global confrontation while asserting readiness to defend against threats.
"Dear friends, Russia is facing challenging times," Putin acknowledged, highlighting the collective responsibility in defending the homeland. He concluded his address with a moment of silence, underscoring the solemnity of the occasion.
World War II claimed the lives of around 27 million people in the Soviet Union, marking one of the deadliest conflicts in history.
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| As he is driven along Red Square, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu salutes soldiers. [Alexander Nemenov/AFP/Getty Images] |
According to a statement on Telegram by Russia's Defense Minister, Army General Sergei Shoigu, 9,000 individuals and 70 pieces of military equipment were slated to participate in the primary military parade on Red Square. This figure represents a decrease from the previous year's event, during which Shoigu had announced the involvement of over 10,000 individuals and 125 pieces of military hardware.
Various world leaders, predominantly from former Soviet countries, received invitations to attend. Among those expected were Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedow of Turkmenistan, Miguel Diaz-Canel of Cuba, Thongloun Sisoulith of Laos, and Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, in an interview with TASS, remarked that "unfriendly countries" had not been extended invitations for the third consecutive Victory Day since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine. She stated that these countries were pursuing an aggressive policy towards Russia, which they framed as inflicting a strategic defeat.
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| Soldiers in ceremonial attire march in Red Square. [Sefa Karacan/Anadolu/Getty Images] |
Russia's defense minister, Army General Sergei Shoigu, announced via Telegram that the main military parade on Red Square would involve 9,000 individuals and 70 pieces of military equipment. This figure represents a decrease from last year's event, during which Shoigu had indicated the participation of over 10,000 individuals and 125 items of military hardware.
Several world leaders, primarily from former Soviet countries, received invitations. Among those expected to attend were Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedow of Turkmenistan, Miguel Diaz-Canel of Cuba, Thongloun Sisoulith of Laos, and Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova conveyed in an interview with TASS that "unfriendly countries" had not been invited for the third consecutive Victory Day since the commencement of the conflict in Ukraine. She pointed out that these countries were pursuing an aggressive policy towards Russia, framing it as a strategic defeat.
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