Putin’s Speech at May 9 Military Parade, Red Square, Moscow
May 10—In addition to thanking the millions of citizens who saved Russia and the world from fascism, Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his remarks at yesterday’s massive Victory Day celebration marking the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat, countered efforts in the West to downplay Russia’s role in that victory by expressing gratitude to those who opened the Second Front in Europe, as well as acknowledging China’s significant contribution in the war against Japan.
Here is a transcript of his remarks:
Veterans, guests, Comrade soldiers and sailors, sergeants and sergeant majors, midshipmen and warrant officers, Comrade officers, generals and admirals, I congratulate you on the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War!
Today, we are all united by feelings of joy and grief, pride and gratitude, and admiration for the generation that crushed Nazism and won freedom and peace for all humanity at the cost of millions of lives. We faithfully preserve the memory of those historic, glorious events.
As the heirs of the victors, we celebrate Victory Day as the most important national holiday—one cherished by our entire nation, each family, and each of us personally. Our fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers saved the Fatherland. They entrusted us with the duty to defend the Motherland, to remain united, and to firmly uphold our national interests, our thousand-year history, culture, and traditional values—everything dear and sacred to us.
We remember the lessons of World War II and will never accept efforts to distort history, justify its perpetrators, or slander the true victors. Our duty is to defend the honor of the Red Army soldiers and commanders and to recognize the heroism of fighters of different ethnic backgrounds, who will forever remain Russian soldiers in world history.
Russia has been and will always be a steadfast barrier against Nazism, Russophobia, and anti-Semitism, standing against the violence propagated by those who promote these destructive ideologies. Truth and justice are on our side. The entire nation supports the participants in the special military operation. We are proud of their courage, spirit, and unwavering resolve, which has always brought us victory.
A Nation’s Sacrifice for Victory
The Soviet Union bore the brunt of the enemy’s most savage and relentless assaults. Millions who had once lived in peace took up arms and stood firm—fighting to the death on every hill, bridgehead, and defensive line.
The outcome of the Second World War was determined by decisive victories in major battles—in Moscow and Stalingrad, on the Kursk Bulge and the Dnieper River. The courage of Belarus’s defenders—who first faced the invaders—was unmatched. Staunch resistance in Brest Fortress, Mogilev, Odessa, Sevastopol, Murmansk, Tula, and Smolensk demonstrated unwavering commitment. The heroism of the residents of besieged Leningrad, the bravery of those fighting on the front lines, in partisan units, and in the underground resistance, as well as the selfless efforts of those evacuating factories under enemy fire and working tirelessly on the home front—all contributed to ultimate victory.
The Nazis’ ambitions to conquer the Soviet Union were shattered by the unbreakable unity of our people. Every republic bore the immense burden of war. The contributions of the peoples of Central Asia and the South Caucasus were indispensable. Trains carried supplies to the front, hospitals were established, and hundreds of thousands of evacuees were given refuge, shelter, and compassionate care.
We honor every veteran of the Great Patriotic War and bow our heads in remembrance of those who gave their lives for Victory—the sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, loved ones, and friends. We also honor fallen comrades-in-arms who made the ultimate sacrifice in the righteous battle for Russia.
Let us observe a moment of silence.
A Global Struggle Against Fascism
Nearly 80 percent of the world’s population was drawn into the fiery orbit of World War II. The complete defeat of Nazi Germany, militarist Japan, and their satellite states was achieved through the combined efforts of the Allied Nations.
We will never forget that the opening of the Second Front in Europe—coming after decisive battles on Soviet territory—helped hasten Victory. We deeply appreciate the contributions made by Allied forces, members of the Resistance, the courageous people of China, and all those who fought for a peaceful future.
Preserving the Legacy of Victory
We will continue to honor our veterans, taking inspiration from their unwavering love for the Motherland and their commitment to defending our homeland and the values of humanism and justice.
We will give these traditions and this great heritage the highest place in our hearts and pass them on to future generations. We will always rely on our unity in battle and in peace, striving toward strategic goals and overcoming challenges for Russia’s greatness and prosperity.
Glory to the victorious nation!
Happy holiday!
Happy Victory Day!
Hurrah!
The following is a link to the video of this speech: