Moscow celebrates “Victory Day”
Putin rails against the West’s “hypocrisy”.
May 9, 2024, 12:46 p.m
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At the parade marking the anniversary of the victory over Germany in World War II, Russia not only demonstrates military strength. President Putin is launching a rhetorical all-round attack on the West – and is particularly emphasizing the readiness of Russia’s nuclear weapons.
Russian President Vladimir Putin once again made accusations against the West at the military parade on the anniversary of the victory over Hitler’s Germany. This is trying to distort the memory of the Soviet victory, he said at the celebrations for the 79th Victory Day on Red Square in Moscow.
The truth disturbs “those who base their colonial politics on hypocrisy and lies,” said the Kremlin chief. “Revanchism, the mockery of history, the effort to justify today’s Nazi imitators – this is part of the general policy of Western elites to always spark new regional conflicts, ethnic or religious conflicts.” Putin usually accuses Ukraine of following the Nazis, which he has been waging war on for two years. He also brings the countries that support Ukraine into this proximity. Putin complained that Soviet memorials were being torn down in many countries.
At the same time, Putin emphasized his country’s combat readiness to the more than 9,000 soldiers who attended and also threatened to use nuclear forces. These are “always on alert”. Russia will do “everything to avoid a global confrontation,” Putin assured. “At the same time, we will not allow anyone to threaten us.”
This year, too, the traditional military parade was dominated by the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, which Putin ordered in February 2022. He called the soldiers fighting in Ukraine heroes. The president’s speech was followed by the traditional parade of soldiers. The technology on display included mobile launch pads for the RS-24 Jars strategic nuclear missiles. Unlike last year, there was also a flyover by Russian fighter jets despite the cold weather with snow.
The Second World War in Europe ended 79 years ago with the surrender of the German Wehrmacht. In Western Europe, the event is commemorated on May 8th, and in Russia and other former Soviet Union states on May 9th.