May 9 (Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin told Russians on Tuesday that the world was at a major turning point and that they were engaged in a national struggle for their country’s future, as the country commemorated the world’s victory over Nazi Germany. The second war.
“Today, civilization is again at a decisive turning point. A real war has broken out against our Motherland. We have repelled international terrorism, we will protect the population of Donbass, we will ensure our own security,” Putin said. Commemoration of victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
In a 10-minute speech on Red Square, Putin repeated familiar messages he has delivered many times during Russia’s nearly 15 months of war in Ukraine.
He said that “Western globalizing elites” are cultivating Russophobia and aggressive nationalism, while the Ukrainian people have become “hostages of a state coup” and the ambitions of the West.
He did not address the challenges facing Russia as its forces prepare for an expected major counterattack from Ukraine, or outline any path to victory.
The speech, which was followed by a massive military parade across Red Square, followed a wave of strikes inside Russia this month — including a drone attack on the Kremlin itself less than a week ago.
(Additional reporting by Reuters TV). Written by Gareth Jones. Editing by Andrew Cawthorne
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