Putin Denounces NATO in Victory Day Speech at Scaled-Back Moscow Parade

Vladimir Putin used his annual Victory Day speech on Moscow's Red Square to justify Russia's war in Ukraine and denounce NATO.

Speaking before hundreds of military personnel and flanked by a few world leaders, the Russian president described the conflict as a "just" war. He called Ukraine an "aggressive force" armed and supported by the whole NATO bloc.

The remarks came during toned-down celebrations across parts of Russia for the nation's biggest holiday, which marks the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany.

Russia and Ukraine agreed to a three-day ceasefire ahead of the events. US President Donald Trump announced it on Friday.

For the first time in nearly two decades, no military hardware appeared in Moscow's Victory Day parade. Military personnel marched across Red Square under tightened security.

Putin opened his address by honoring the sacrifices of USSR soldiers in World War Two. "The great feat of the generation of victors inspires the soldiers carrying out the goals of the special military operation today," he said, referring to the war in Ukraine.

"They are confronting an aggressive force armed and supported by the whole bloc of NATO. And despite this, our heroes move forward."

The Russian leader praised Russia's citizens and their contributions to the war effort, including workers, scientists, inventors, military correspondents, doctors and teachers. "No matter how military tactics change, the future of the country is being provided for by the people," he said.

Cannons fired rounds right after the speech, followed by music from a military brass band.

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko stood behind Putin. Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith and Malaysia's King, Sultan Ibrahim, also attended.

Far fewer world leaders showed up than at last year's 80th anniversary parade, which drew China's President Xi Jinping and Brazil's Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Russian TV aired footage of frontline soldiers after Putin's speech.

Celebrations occurred earlier in eastern Russian cities, including Vladivostok, where residents joined the Immortal Regiment march for war veterans.

Some parades nationwide featured military vehicles, mostly from World War Two rather than modern ones, Russian state media reported. Others were canceled.

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, now in its fifth year. Troops and equipment have moved to the front lines, yet past Moscow parades displayed tanks, missiles and other weapons.

Officials scaled back this year's event last week due to the "current operational situation." Russian MP Yevgeny Popov told the BBC, "Our tanks are busy right now. They are fighting. We need them more on the battlefield than on Red Square."

Security tightened further over threats from Ukrainian drones.