Putin Blasts NATO as Russia Marks Muted Victory Day Under Fragile Truce

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Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin used this year’s Victory Day parade in Moscow to accuse NATO of backing an “aggressive force” against Russia, saying Russian troops in Ukraine were fighting a justified battle. Speaking at a scaled-down ceremony in Red Square, Putin linked the ongoing war to the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany during World War II and praised Russian soldiers for continuing what he described as a historic struggle.

The annual Victory Day celebrations, usually marked by grand military displays, were notably subdued this year. For the first time in nearly two decades, heavy military equipment was absent from the parade, while security measures were tightened following recent Ukrainian long-range attacks. Attendance was also limited, with only a small group of allied leaders present, including representatives from Belarus, Kazakhstan, and other close Russian partners.

The event took place during a temporary three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, announced with the support of US President Donald Trump. The truce was intended to allow a large prisoner exchange involving 1,000 detainees from each side. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed Kyiv would respect the pause in fighting, saying the return of Ukrainian prisoners was more important than disrupting events in Moscow.