Putin Describes Ukraine As NATO-Backed Aggressive Force During Victory Day Address
Putin accuses Ukraine of acting as NATO-backed aggressive force publicly.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday described the war in Ukraine as a fight against an “aggressive force” backed by NATO, using his Victory Day address in Moscow to defend Russia’s military campaign and rally domestic support. Speaking during the annual parade on Red Square, Putin said Russia’s objectives in Ukraine were “just” and framed the conflict within the historical narrative of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany during World War II.
Victory Day remains one of Russia’s most symbolically important national events and has long been central to Putin’s political messaging throughout his 25 years in power. The annual commemoration traditionally features large-scale military displays and patriotic ceremonies, reinforcing the Kremlin’s emphasis on wartime sacrifice and national strength.
However, this year’s parade was notably scaled down amid heightened security concerns following a series of Ukrainian long-range attacks in recent weeks. For the first time in nearly two decades, no military hardware was displayed during the event, and attendance by foreign leaders was limited mainly to representatives from Russia’s close allies.
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The event took place against the backdrop of a temporary three-day ceasefire agreed upon by both Moscow and Kyiv. The pause in hostilities reportedly followed a last-minute appeal by US President Donald Trump aimed at reducing tensions during the commemorative period. Prior to the ceasefire, Moscow had warned of severe retaliation if Ukraine attempted to disrupt the celebrations in the Russian capital.
During his speech, Putin linked Russia’s current military operations in Ukraine with the Soviet struggle against Nazi Germany, portraying Russian forces as defenders against external threats. Soldiers from North Korea also participated in the parade alongside Russian military units, underscoring Moscow’s growing cooperation with allied states amid continuing geopolitical tensions.The scaled-back ceremony nevertheless highlighted the ongoing strain of the conflict and the broader security challenges facing Russia as the war in Ukraine continues with no immediate resolution in sight.
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