Russian President Vladimir Putin said he believes the Ukraine war is nearing an end, while signalling openness to new European security talks. Speaking after Moscow’s Victory Day parade, Putin backed negotiations involving former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder



<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin said he believes the Ukraine war is nearing an end, while signalling openness to new European security talks. Speaking after Moscow’s Victory Day parade, Putin backed negotiations involving former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder</p>

'I think that the matter...': Putin issues BIG statement on Russia-Ukraine war after calling it 'just'

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday (May 9) defended Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in his address to the annual Victory Day parade. Describing his war goals as “just”, the Russian leader said that his country’s soldiers were fighting an “aggressive force” backed by the entire NATO alliance. Speaking at the Red Square ceremony in Moscow, Putin also compared the current war with Ukraine to the Soviet Union’s fight against Nazi Germany during World War II.</p><p>Victory Day celebrations have long been a major symbol of national pride in Russia, commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in 1945. However, this year’s parade was noticeably smaller amid growing security concerns caused by repeated Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian territory in recent weeks. For the first time in nearly two decades, no military hardware was displayed during the parade, and attendance by foreign leaders was limited mostly to close Russian allies.</p><p>“The great feat of the generation of victors inspires the soldiers carrying out the goals of the special military operation today,” Putin said. “They are confronting an aggressive force armed and supported by the entire NATO bloc. And despite this, our heroes move forward.”</p><p>“I firmly believe that our cause is just,” he added.</p><h2><strong>Three-day ceasefire</strong></h2><p>The Victory Day celebrations come after US President Donald Trump on Friday (May 8) announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine starting today. He added that the ceasefire will include a suspension of all fighting between the two nations and a prisoner swap. The US president also expressed hopes for ending the biggest conflict in Europe since World War II, saying that negotiations are ongoing. Trump added that the temporary truce was announced following a request from Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Moscow had threatened a “massive” strike on central Kyiv if Ukraine disrupted the Victory Day celebrations.</p><p>Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a decree on Friday (May 8) ordering the Ukrainian military not to attack the parade. He also confirmed that his government would adhere to the ceasefire and the prisoner swap of 1,000 detainees from each side.</p><p>“Red Square is less important to us than the lives of Ukrainian prisoners who can be returned home,” Zelensky said, referring to the historic site in Moscow where the annual event is held.</p>

Russian President Putin defended Moscow’s war in Ukraine during Victory Day celebrations, calling it “just” and accusing NATO of backing an “aggressive force” against Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday (May 9) defended Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in his address to the annual Victory Day parade. Describing his war goals as “just”, the Russian leader said that his country’s soldiers were fighting an “aggressive force” backed by the entire NATO alliance. Speaking at the Red Square ceremony in Moscow, Putin also compared the current war with Ukraine to the Soviet Union’s fight against Nazi Germany during World War II. Victory Day celebrations have long been a major symbol of national pride in Russia, commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in 1945. However, this year’s parade was noticeably smaller amid growing security concerns caused by repeated Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian territory in recent weeks. For the first time in nearly two decades, no military hardware was displayed during the parade, and attendance by foreign leaders was limited mostly to close Russian allies. “The great feat of the generation of victors inspires the soldiers carrying out the goals of the special military operation today,” Putin said. “They are confronting an aggressive force armed and supported by the entire NATO bloc. And despite this, our heroes move forward.” “I firmly believe that our cause is just,” he added. Three-day ceasefire The Victory Day celebrations come after US President Donald Trump on Friday (May 8) announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine starting today. He added that the ceasefire will include a suspension of all fighting between the two nations and a prisoner swap. The US president also expressed hopes for ending the biggest conflict in Europe since World War II, saying that negotiations are ongoing. Trump added that the temporary truce was announced following a request from Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Moscow had threatened a “massive” strike on central Kyiv if Ukraine disrupted the Victory Day celebrations. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a decree on Friday (May 8) ordering the Ukrainian military not to attack the parade. He also confirmed that his government would adhere to the ceasefire and the prisoner swap of 1,000 detainees from each side. “Red Square is less important to us than the lives of Ukrainian prisoners who can be returned home,” Zelensky said, referring to the historic site in Moscow where the annual event is held.

<p>Russian President Putin defended Moscow’s war in Ukraine during Victory Day celebrations, calling it “just” and accusing NATO of backing an “aggressive force” against Russia.</p>

‘Aggressive force armed by NATO’: Putin calls Moscow’s war in Ukraine ‘just’ in Victory Day speech

<p>Russia threatened Ukraine of consequences if Kyiv attacks Moscow during its World War Two Victory Day celebrations on May 9. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova made the threat on Wednesday (May 6) in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's remarks about the parade.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Zakharova went on to warn retaliatory strikes on Kyiv, including on decision-making centers, if Ukraine carries out its "terrorist plans."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Russian foreign ministry spokesperson also advised diplomatic missions to evacuate their personnel from Kyiv, urging countries to take the warning against Kyiv with "utmost responsibility".</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, Kremlin aide Ushakov on Thursday confirmed that the Victory Day Parade will take place and President Vladimir Putin will deliver his speech.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He further said that invitations were not extended to foreign guests this year for the parade, however, some guests expressed their desired to be a part of it.</p><h2>What Zelenskyy said about Victory Day parade</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Zelenskyy on Monday said that Russia is scaling down its Victory Day parade as "they cannot afford military equipment -- and they fear drones may buzz over Red Square."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In a video speech on Wednesday, Zelenskyy said, "Russia has fought to the point where even its main parade now depends on us."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>On the same day, he took to social media to criticised Russia by saying it violated the Ukraine-proposed ceasefire starting on Wednesday. He said that 1,820 violations were made by Russia since the ceasefire began.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova went on to warn retaliatory strikes on Kyiv, including on decision-making centers, if Ukraine carries out its terrorist plans.

Russia threatened Ukraine of consequences if Kyiv attacks Moscow during its World War Two Victory Day celebrations on May 9. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova made the threat on Wednesday (May 6) in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's remarks about the parade. Zakharova went on to warn retaliatory strikes on Kyiv, including on decision-making centers, if Ukraine carries out its "terrorist plans." The Russian foreign ministry spokesperson also advised diplomatic missions to evacuate their personnel from Kyiv, urging countries to take the warning against Kyiv with "utmost responsibility". Meanwhile, Kremlin aide Ushakov on Thursday confirmed that the Victory Day Parade will take place and President Vladimir Putin will deliver his speech. He further said that invitations were not extended to foreign guests this year for the parade, however, some guests expressed their desired to be a part of it. What Zelenskyy said about Victory Day parade Zelenskyy on Monday said that Russia is scaling down its Victory Day parade as "they cannot afford military equipment -- and they fear drones may buzz over Red Square." In a video speech on Wednesday, Zelenskyy said, "Russia has fought to the point where even its main parade now depends on us." On the same day, he took to social media to criticised Russia by saying it violated the Ukraine-proposed ceasefire starting on Wednesday. He said that 1,820 violations were made by Russia since the ceasefire began.

<p>Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova went on to warn retaliatory strikes on Kyiv, including on decision-making centers, if Ukraine carries out its "terrorist plans."</p>

Russia threatens attack on Ukraine after Zelenskyy's remarks of 'disrupting' Victory Day parade

<p>European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described&nbsp;Ukraine as "the beating heart of today's European values" in a visit to Kyiv on Tuesday as Russia marked its World War II Victory Day.</p>

<p>Von der Leyen's trip underlined the European Union's support for Ukraine as Russian President Vladimir Putin presided over a military parade on Moscow's Red Square and portrayed his own country as under attack by the West as war rages on in Ukraine for the 15th month.</p>

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he and von der Leyen had discussed defence matters, sanctions on Russia and Ukraine's integration with the European Union.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;How has the Russia- Ukraine war changed the world? | Latest English News | WION</strong></p>

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<p>"Our efforts for a united Europe, for security and peace, need to be as strong as Russia's desire to destroy our security, our freedom, our Europe," he told a joint news conference.</p>

<p>He also highlighted Russia's military failures in Ukraine by saying Russian forces had not managed to achieve the goal of capturing the eastern city of Bakhmut before the May 9 holiday, when Russia celebrates the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.</p>

<p>Von der Leyen's trip fell on the day the EU celebrates as Europe Day, which Ukraine adopted as its own on Monday, underlining its ambition to join Western institutions after applying to join the EU last year following Russia's invasion.</p>

<p>Von der Leyen, who arrived in Kyiv after a night of reported Russian air strikes, welcomed Zelensky's decision on adopting Europe Day.</p>

<p>"Good to be back in Kyiv. Where the values we hold dear are defended everyday," von der Leyen, who heads the EU executive, wrote on Twitter.</p>

<p>"Ukraine is on the front line of the defence of everything we Europeans cherish: our liberty, our democracy, our freedom of thought and speech. Courageously, Ukraine is fighting for the ideals of Europe that we celebrate today."</p>

<p>Zelenskiy said he expected an 11th package of EU sanctions to be imposed on Russia soon and that it should include powerful sanctions on Russia's atomic sector.</p>

<p>He said he expected an EU summit in June to yield a positive appraisal of Ukraine's integration process.</p>

<p>"Our values, security, our wellbeing, security on the continent — all of this can be 100% realised for Europe only together with Ukraine," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described Ukraine as "the beating heart of today's European values" in a visit to Kyiv on Tuesday as Russia marked its World War II Victory Day.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described Ukraine as "the beating heart of today's European values" in a visit to Kyiv on Tuesday as Russia marked its World War II Victory Day. Von der Leyen's trip underlined the European Union's support for Ukraine as Russian President Vladimir Putin presided over a military parade on Moscow's Red Square and portrayed his own country as under attack by the West as war rages on in Ukraine for the 15th month. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he and von der Leyen had discussed defence matters, sanctions on Russia and Ukraine's integration with the European Union. ALSO WATCH | How has the Russia- Ukraine war changed the world? | Latest English News | WION × "Our efforts for a united Europe, for security and peace, need to be as strong as Russia's desire to destroy our security, our freedom, our Europe," he told a joint news conference. He also highlighted Russia's military failures in Ukraine by saying Russian forces had not managed to achieve the goal of capturing the eastern city of Bakhmut before the May 9 holiday, when Russia celebrates the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. Von der Leyen's trip fell on the day the EU celebrates as Europe Day, which Ukraine adopted as its own on Monday, underlining its ambition to join Western institutions after applying to join the EU last year following Russia's invasion. Von der Leyen, who arrived in Kyiv after a night of reported Russian air strikes, welcomed Zelensky's decision on adopting Europe Day. "Good to be back in Kyiv. Where the values we hold dear are defended everyday," von der Leyen, who heads the EU executive, wrote on Twitter. "Ukraine is on the front line of the defence of everything we Europeans cherish: our liberty, our democracy, our freedom of thought and speech. Courageously, Ukraine is fighting for the ideals of Europe that we celebrate today." Zelenskiy said he expected an 11th package of EU sanctions to be imposed on Russia soon and that it should include powerful sanctions on Russia's atomic sector. He said he expected an EU summit in June to yield a positive appraisal of Ukraine's integration process. "Our values, security, our wellbeing, security on the continent — all of this can be 100% realised for Europe only together with Ukraine," he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

EU hails Ukraine as ‘beating heart of today’s European values’

<p>Russians celebrated World War II Victory Day as Moscow troops fight on in Ukraine, with President Vladimir Putin's call for "victory" in the ongoing war. Victory Day is marked to commemorate the sacrifices made by the Soviet Union during the "Great Patriotic War"&nbsp;of 1941-45. Records have revealed that around 27 million citizens died.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the speech, Putin slammed the West, saying that they have "forgotten who defeated the monstrous global evil and the Western elites talk about their exclusivity, playoff people and provoke bloody conflicts, sow Russophobia and aggressive nationalism".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The parade and the speech were aimed at the West, but something else grabbed the headlines globally — a 'lonely' tank. The pared-down parade showcased military hardware, but there was no aviation and a single T-34 tank took part. Some users on social media called it a "lonely" tank.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Army personnel were in ceremonial uniforms and marched through Red Square to the soundtrack of a military brass band. After Putin's speech, a band struck up and the cannon fired a salute. Armoured vehicles and nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles followed later.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a> Not a single tank passed through the parade in Moscow, except for the museum T-34, and there were no aircraft either.<br />
<br />
What happened? 😉 <a href="https://t.co/NeEiTGSLQC">pic.twitter.com/NeEiTGSLQC</a></p>
— Getty 🇺🇦 🔜 (@region776) <a href="https://twitter.com/region776/status/1655845622342369280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://t.co/9FLJGxgGgb">https://t.co/9FLJGxgGgb</a> That is one lonely old tank at Russia's Victory Day. <a href="https://t.co/xvcRIQF8oQ">pic.twitter.com/xvcRIQF8oQ</a></p>
— mrbrown (@mrbrown) <a href="https://twitter.com/mrbrown/status/1655920502672859137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In one year, Russia has approximately lost more than 1,937 tanks in the war. During the parade, a lonely T-34 showed up.<br />
<br />
From this to this.... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ukraine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RussiaUkraineWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RussiaUkraineWar</a> <a href="https://t.co/e0emLHU1Ix">pic.twitter.com/e0emLHU1Ix</a></p>
— Bassel Doueik (@bassel_doueik) <a href="https://twitter.com/bassel_doueik/status/1655931731915198465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The West, which claims that Russia is running out of arms and ammunition, mocked Putin for the scaled-back parade, but some experts stated that Russia can't spare tanks and planes for their parade amid the invasion, which started last year on February 24.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia has often shown confidence over the victory, and Putin also said that the future of the country "rests on" soldiers fighting in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further said that the world is at a "turning point", and a "war" was unleashed on Russia. He added: "Today civilisation is again at a decisive turning point. A war has been unleashed against our motherland." He called for Russia to be victorious: "For Russia, for our armed forces, for victory! Hurrah!"&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "I am convinced that the experience of solidarity and partnership during the years of struggle against a common threat is a support right now when the world is moving towards multipolarity."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that the "West has forgotten who defeated the monstrous global evil and the Western elites talk about their exclusivity, playoff people and provoke bloody conflicts, sow Russophobia and aggressive nationalism".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Russians celebrated World War II Victory Day as Moscow troops fight on in Ukraine, with President Vladimir Putin's call for "victory" in the ongoing war. Victory Day is marked to commemorate the sacrifices made by the Soviet Union during the "Great Patriotic War" of 1941-45.

Russians celebrated World War II Victory Day as Moscow troops fight on in Ukraine, with President Vladimir Putin's call for "victory" in the ongoing war. Victory Day is marked to commemorate the sacrifices made by the Soviet Union during the "Great Patriotic War" of 1941-45. Records have revealed that around 27 million citizens died. During the speech, Putin slammed the West, saying that they have "forgotten who defeated the monstrous global evil and the Western elites talk about their exclusivity, playoff people and provoke bloody conflicts, sow Russophobia and aggressive nationalism". The parade and the speech were aimed at the West, but something else grabbed the headlines globally — a 'lonely' tank. The pared-down parade showcased military hardware, but there was no aviation and a single T-34 tank took part. Some users on social media called it a "lonely" tank. Army personnel were in ceremonial uniforms and marched through Red Square to the soundtrack of a military brass band. After Putin's speech, a band struck up and the cannon fired a salute. Armoured vehicles and nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles followed later. #Russia Not a single tank passed through the parade in Moscow, except for the museum T-34, and there were no aircraft either. What happened? 😉 pic.twitter.com/NeEiTGSLQC — Getty 🇺🇦 🔜 (@region776) May 9, 2023 × https://t.co/9FLJGxgGgb That is one lonely old tank at Russia's Victory Day. pic.twitter.com/xvcRIQF8oQ — mrbrown (@mrbrown) May 9, 2023 × In one year, Russia has approximately lost more than 1,937 tanks in the war. During the parade, a lonely T-34 showed up. From this to this.... #Russia #ukraine #RussiaUkraineWar pic.twitter.com/e0emLHU1Ix — Bassel Doueik (@bassel_doueik) May 9, 2023 × The West, which claims that Russia is running out of arms and ammunition, mocked Putin for the scaled-back parade, but some experts stated that Russia can't spare tanks and planes for their parade amid the invasion, which started last year on February 24. Russia has often shown confidence over the victory, and Putin also said that the future of the country "rests on" soldiers fighting in Ukraine. He further said that the world is at a "turning point", and a "war" was unleashed on Russia. He added: "Today civilisation is again at a decisive turning point. A war has been unleashed against our motherland." He called for Russia to be victorious: "For Russia, for our armed forces, for victory! Hurrah!" He said, "I am convinced that the experience of solidarity and partnership during the years of struggle against a common threat is a support right now when the world is moving towards multipolarity." He added that the "West has forgotten who defeated the monstrous global evil and the Western elites talk about their exclusivity, playoff people and provoke bloody conflicts, sow Russophobia and aggressive nationalism". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Watch: Russia's 'lonely' T-34 tank during Victory Day parade mocked

In Pics | Victory Day Parade: Russia marks its historic win over Nazis in 1945

Russia holds its annual Victory Day parade in Moscow on Wednesday, commemorating the 75th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s capitulation in World War II.

Russia holds a massive show of military might in Moscow

A 75-member Indian contingent rehearsed in Russia's Moscow on June 22. They have come to Moscow to participate in the 75th Victory Day Parade.

Rehearsal by Indian contingent takes place ahead of 75th Victory Day Parade at Moscow