Putin compares Ukraine invasion to World War II, hints at use of nuclear weapons

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In a raging speech on Thursday (February 2), Russian President Vladimir Putin promised victory over Ukraine. Putin was speaking at an event marking the 80th anniversary of the Red Army's victory over Nazi Germany in Stalingrad, now known as Volgograd (Stalingrad until 1961).

During his speech, the Russian president drew parallels between the Soviet Union's fight in World War II and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. He compared the fighting to Nazi Germany's invasion and hinted that Moscow could use nuclear weapons.

While invokingthe war against Nazi Germany in 1941-1945, he claimed Russians were ready to go "until the end."

"Again and again we are forced to repel the aggression of the collective West," Putin said in the city on the Volga River formerly known as Stalingrad.

During his address, Putin said: "Unfortunately, we see that the ideology of Nazism in its modern form and manifestation again directly threatens the security of our country."

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Referring to the powerful battle tanks proposed to send by Berlin, Putin said that Germany is "again" threatening Russia as it was during World War II. However, he added that Moscow can "answer" countries threatening it.

He said, "Again and again, we have to repel the aggression of the collective West. It's incredible ... but it's a fact: we are again being threatened with German Leopard tanks with crosses on them."

Russian President VladimirPutinattends a wreath-laying ceremony during an event marking the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Stalingrad in World War Two, at the Mamayev Kurgan memorial complex in Volgograd, Russia February 2, 2023. Image: Reuters

The Russian president further said that those who draw European countries into a new war with Russia and expect to win, apparently don't understand that a modern war with Russia will be quite different for them.

Putin said that Russia doesn't send tanks to borders but the nation has the means to respond. He added that Russia won't end with the use of "armoured vehicles" and the West must understand that.

(With inputs from agencies)

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