Putin warns of global conflict as Russia celebrates Victory Day

Mr Putin accused “arrogant” Western elites of forgetting the decisive role the Soviet Union played in defeating Nazi Germany and risking causing conflict around the world .

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during the Victory Day parade, marking the 79th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, at Red Square in Moscow, Russia on May 9, 2024. Photo: Sputnik

"We know what over-ambitions lead to. Russia will do everything to prevent a global conflict," Mr. Putin said in Red Square.

"But at the same time, we will not allow anyone to threaten us. Our strategic forces are always in a state of combat readiness," Mr. Putin declared.

Some pictures of Russia's Victory Day parade

Russian servicemen drive armored vehicles during the Victory Day parade, marking the 79th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, at Red Square in Moscow, Russia on May 9, 2024. Photo: Reuters

A Russian Su-25 fighter jet releases smoke in the colors of the Russian flag over St. Basil's Cathedral, in Moscow, Russia. Photo: Reuters

Russian soldiers march during the parade. Photo: Reuters

Yars intercontinental ballistic missile during the parade. Photo: Reuters

Russian soldiers drive armored vehicles during the parade. Photo: Reuters

A Russian armed unit participates in the parade. Photo: Reuters

Mr Putin sees the war in Ukraine as part of a struggle with the West, encroaching on what he sees as Moscow's sphere of influence.

“In the West, they want to forget the lessons of World War II,” Mr. Putin said, adding that Russia honored all allies who participated in the defeat of Nazi Germany. He mentioned the Chinese people’s fight against the Japanese fascist regime.

"But we remember that the fate of mankind was decided in great battles near Moscow and Leningrad, Rzhev, Stalingrad, Kursk and Kharkiv, near Minsk, Smolensk and Kiev, in heavy, bloody battles from Murmansk to the Caucasus and Crimea".

This year's Russian Victory Day parade was simpler than in previous years. Russia displayed only a T-34 tank, along with a fleet of fighter jets performing a smoke display in the three colors of the Russian flag.

The parade also featured Russia's Yars intercontinental strategic missile, which a television announcer said was "capable of striking targets anywhere in the world."

Also present at the parade were the leaders of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Cuba, Laos and Guinea-Bissau.

Huy Hoang (according to Sputnik, TASS, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/tong-thong-nga-canh-bao-ve-xung-dot-toan-cau-trong-le-duyet-binh-ngay-chien-thang-post294822.html