Victory Day Parade Putin: Truth and Justice Are on Our Side

On the 9th, Russia held a parade at Red Square to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War. In the opening ceremony, Russian President Putin stated that Russia has always been an “insurmountable barrier” to Nazism, Russophobia, and anti-Semitism, and will continue to fight against them.

Since 1995, a Victory Day parade has been held at Moscow's Red Square every year on May 9th. On this day, celebrations, parades, assemblies, commemorative events, and welcoming ceremonies are held across Russia.

Putin stated that Russia's duty is to defend the dignity of the Russian army soldiers.

Putin declared, "Truth and justice are on our side. The entire country—our society, our people—support the participants in the special military operation."

The “special military operation” is Russia's official term for its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

"Dear friends, during World War II, nearly 80% of the population was involved in the struggle to utterly defeat Nazi Germany and militaristic Japan." Putin added that the nation remembers the lessons of World War II and opposes exonerating executioners while defaming the true victors.

In his speech, Putin emphasized China's role in World War II.

This year, over 20 world leaders attended the Victory Day parade, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazilian President Lula, and Venezuelan President Maduro, as well as leaders from Russia's allies in Central Asia. The two European leaders attending the ceremony are Serbian President Vučić and Slovak Prime Minister Fico.

Putin concluded by saying, "We cherish the contributions of Allied fighters, anti-fascist participants, and the Chinese army to the victory in World War II. Thank you to all those who fought for a peaceful future. Glory belongs to the people who won the war."