Putin at Victory Day Recalls Alliance Against Nazism
May 10—Moscow celebrated Victory Day on May 9, which commemorates the end of World War II, with a parade as is customary. However, due to threats of retaliation from Ukraine on this anniversary, security considerations limited their size. There were, however, over 150,000 people who took part in parades in 300 other Russian cities and towns. Hackers broadcast the Moscow parade on both Ukrainian and Latvian television. President Vladimir Putin attended the Moscow parade together with a 101-year old veteran of the battle of Stalingrad. Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peshkov noted that, while there were some events celebrating the anniversary in the West (on May 8), there were no invitations sent to Russia to attend these. While there were no Western leaders in attendance in Moscow, the heads of state of the CIS countries, and of Cuba, Laos, and Guinea-Bissau attended.
In his speech, Putin compared the situation at the end of the war to the threat that Russia was facing today, with NATO supporting the same fascist forces in Ukraine that wanted to eliminate Russia. He accused the West, which is aiding Ukraine with military and humanitarian supplies, of distorting facts about World War II, putting Nazi collaborators on pedestals and demolishing memorials to fighters against Nazism. “Harboring revanchist sentiments, making a mockery of history, and seeking to justify present-day Nazi followers is part of what constitutes a common policy of Western elites to fuel regional conflicts, inter-ethnic and inter-religious strife and to contain sovereign and independent centers of global development,” Putin said.
He said that he would do everything to avoid a global confrontation, but would also not allow anyone to threaten Russia, and that Russian strategic forces were on alert. He said, “Russia has never belittled the significance of the Second Front or that of Allied assistance. We honor the valor of all members of the Anti-Hitler Coalition, the Resistance Movement, the underground movement and guerrillas, as well as the courage displayed by the peoples of China fighting for their independence against militarist Japan’s aggression. We will forever remember and we will never forget our joint struggle and the inspiring traditions of alliance.”
He reiterated this thought again at a speech given at a reception for the visiting heads of state, stating: “I want to to emphasize: Russia will continue to develop mutually beneficial partnership, friendship with all who share the values of freedom and justice, advocate strict compliance with the norms of international law and a comprehensive, equal and indivisible system of security. This is our duty to all those who went through the terrible ordeals of World War II. The memory of the military brotherhood of our fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers, openness, mutual understanding and friendship of people of different nationalities and cultures and traditions will be a reliable support for our progress, for working together for the future.”
