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| Putin declared confidence in victory in Ukraine as Russia held a scaled-down Victory Day parade under tight security in Moscow. |
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared confidence in victory in Ukraine during Moscow’s annual Victory Day parade, held under heavy security and without major military hardware for the first time in nearly two decades.
The Red Square event marked the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II and was attended by several foreign leaders amid heightened tensions linked to the ongoing Ukraine war.
In his speech, Putin praised Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, claiming they are confronting what he described as an aggressive NATO-backed force. He insisted Russia’s military campaign remains justified and vowed that “victory will be ours.”
Unlike previous years, the parade noticeably lacked tanks, missile systems, and other heavy weapons, with officials citing current battlefield needs and security concerns. Russian state media said military equipment was being prioritized for operations in Ukraine.
The ceremony also featured North Korean troops for the first time, reflecting growing military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang after North Korean forces reportedly assisted Russia in the Kursk region.
Security across Moscow remained extremely tight amid fears of possible Ukrainian drone attacks. Although temporary ceasefire announcements were made by both sides, Russia and Ukraine continued accusing each other of violating the truce.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump said both Moscow and Kyiv had agreed to a short ceasefire and prisoner exchange, describing it as a potential step toward ending the conflict.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mocked Russia’s concerns over possible attacks during Victory Day celebrations, while the Kremlin dismissed his remarks as political theatrics.
Russian officials warned that any Ukrainian attempt to target Moscow during the celebrations could trigger a “massive missile strike” on Kyiv.