Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the West on Thursday (May 9) of risking a global conflict and said no one would be allowed to threaten the world's biggest nuclear power as Russia marked the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two.

Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning about the potential for global conflict, accusing Western countries of actions that could endanger global peace. During a speech on Red Square, marking the anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, he stated that Russia would take all necessary measures to prevent global conflict, emphasizing that no one would be permitted to threaten Russia, the world's top nuclear power. Putin affirmed that Russia's strategic forces are always ready for combat.

The annual Victory Day parade in Moscow, an event showcasing Russia's military strength, was observed under unusually cold weather conditions, with snowfall. This year, the parade featured a reduced display, showcasing only one T-34 tank and a Yars intercontinental strategic missile, alongside a fly-past by fighter jets streaming the Russian tricolor. Participants in the parade included soldiers who had served in the conflict in Ukraine. Notably, no Western leaders were present at the event.

Putin criticized what he called the "arrogant Western elites" for their alleged disregard of the Soviet Union's critical role in defeating Nazi Germany. He accused them of instigating conflicts globally. He further framed the ongoing war in Ukraine as part of a broader struggle with Western powers, who he says sought to marginalize Russia post-1989 by interfering in areas Putin considers to be within Moscow's sphere of influence. The conflict in Ukraine, described by Putin as an imperial-style expansion, has led to Russia controlling approximately 18% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea.

Putin's remarks came as Russian troops continued their advances against Ukraine's forces, which are supported by the West. He specifically highlighted the dangers posed by the conflict's potential to escalate, involving the world's largest nuclear powers. The speech also served as a reminder of the heavy losses suffered by the Soviet Union in World War II, where 27 million lives were lost, including many from Ukraine, ultimately resulting in the defeat of Nazi forces.



Putin warns of global clash as Russia marks WWII victory

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the West of risking a global conflict, saying no one would be allowed to threaten the world's biggest nuclear power. He spoke on Red Square on Thursday as Russia marked the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Russia will do everything to prevent a global conflict, but at the same time we will not allow anyone to threaten us. Our strategic forces are always in combat readiness. Despite unseasonably cold weather and snow, crowds of Russians gathered in the centre of Moscow to watch the Victory Day parade. It's an annual display of Russia's military might. But this year the parade was pared down, indicating strains born from more than two years of war in Ukraine. Russia showed off just one T-34 tank, though also displayed a Yars intercontinental strategic missile. Fighter jets also flew past streaming the Russian tricolour, and soldiers who took part in the conflict in Ukraine marched around the square. No Western leaders attended the parade. Putin accused, quote, arrogant Western elites of forgetting the decisive role played by the Soviet Union in defeating Nazi Germany and of stoking conflicts across the world. His comments came as Russian troops advanced against Ukraine's Western-backed forces. Putin calls the war as part of a struggle with the West. He says Western powers humiliated Russia after the Berlin Wall fell in 1989 by interfering with what he considers Moscow's sphere of influence. Ukraine and the West say Putin is engaged in an imperial-style land grab. They have vowed to defeat Russia, which currently controls about 18% of Ukraine, including Crimea. Russia says the land, once part of the Russian Empire, is now again part of Russia. Russian officials warn that the Ukraine war is entering the most dangerous phase to date. And Putin has repeatedly warned of the risk of the war broadening out to involve the world's biggest nuclear powers. The Soviet Union lost 27 million people in World War II, including many millions in Ukraine. But it eventually pushed Nazi forces back to Berlin, where Hitler committed suicide and the Red Soviet Victory Banner was raised over the Reichstag in 1945.

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