Vladimir Putin today warned that the future security of Russia “rests on” the shoulders of those fighting in Ukraine. Fifteen months into the war across the border, the Kremlin leader said there is now “nothing more important” than the efforts of his army.
Putin’s latest speech has come on ‘Victory Day,’ which marks the 1945 Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. Western reports on the occasion have focussed on “confusion” in Russian-occupied territories of southern Ukraine, where supplies are said to be running dry and civilians are being ordered to evacuate ahead of a “looming Ukrainian offensive,” as well as on the cancellation of some parades in Russia amid fears of attacks by saboteurs. Bridget Ryder earlier today reported in The European Conservative that celebrations are “marked by nerves more than patriotic exuberance.”
Talking on Red Square before veterans of World War II and some troops currently fighting in Ukraine, who were present at the parade, Putin said:
There is nothing more important now than your combat effort. The security of the country rests on you today, the future of our statehood and our people depend on you.
He also suggested that the war extends beyond Ukraine’s borders, warning of the threat of “international terrorism.” The president told those present that a “real war has been unleashed against Russia,” placing the global community “at a breaking point.”
The speech was not too far removed from Putin’s last Victory Day address, in which he drew parallels to his ‘special military operation’ and the 1939-1945 war, insisting that “defending Russia is always sacred … you are fighting for our people in the Donbas, for the security of our motherland.”
Addresses have also been made today in Kyiv, where EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen travelled to celebrate ‘Europe Day.’
She told those present that “my presence in Kyiv today on May 9th is symbolic, but it is also the sign of a crucial and very practical reality: the EU is working hand in hand with Ukraine on many issues.” Reporters noted that the bloc official also paid a visit to the Ukrainian capital to discuss the country’s bid for EU membership.
