Moscow (The Times Groupe)- On Victory Day, Russian President Vladimir Putin celebrated the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II with a display of military might and an address on Moscow’s Red Square.
Russia’s president linked his war in Ukraine to that battle in a speech that blamed the West for the conflict but contained no new escalation.
In a war that has been raging for more than two months, Putin has not made progress in Ukraine, with Russian forces devastating, but far from defeating the country. In light of Putin’s failure to secure the gains he may have wanted in order to declare victory, analysts have speculated whether he might use the opportunity to intensify his campaign.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia may have already stepped up its attacks ahead of the annual holiday. At least 60 people were feared dead after an airstrike on a school in a village in eastern Ukraine on Sunday. In Mariupol, a key port city, the city’s last Ukrainian defenders were evacuated from Azovstal steel plant, frustrating Moscow’s efforts to secure a crucial strategic and symbolic victory.
The Soviet Union celebrated its role in defeating Nazi Germany in World War II with a massive parade in Moscow’s Red Square on Monday. Tanks, rocket launchers, missiles, and other military equipment were displayed.
After straight rows of soldiers in ceremonial dress marched through the square, the military hardware and strength were displayed with a military band playing in the background.
Watching the display with other high ranking members of the military was Russian President Vladimir Putin who spoke briefly about the war in Ukraine and World War II. Crowds of spectators also gathered to watch the parade.
As a result of its invasion of Ukraine, launched in February, Russia has suffered huge losses in soldiers and equipment.