Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulates Russians during a solemn parade on Red Square to mark the 79th anniversary of the Victory in World War II.
“Dear veterans, fellow soldiers and sailors, sergeants and petty officers, midshipmen and warrant officers, fellow officers, generals and admirals, fighters, commanders, front-line soldiers, heroes of the special military operation, I congratulate you on Victory Day,” Vladimir Putin said, speaking at the Victory Parade on Red Square.
The Russian President stressed that this is the most important, truly popular and sacred holiday. He noted that Victory Day is celebrated amid a special military operation.
“All its participants, those who are on the front line, on the line of contact, are our heroes. We bow down to your steadfastness and self-sacrifice, selflessness. All Russia is with you, our veterans believe in you and are worried about you,” Vladimir Putin said.
The head of state spoke about attempts to distort the truth about the Second World War. According to him, in Western countries they demolish memorials to those who fought against Nazism, put on pedestals traitors and collaborators of the Nazis, cross out the memory of heroism and nobility of soldiers-liberators. Revanchism is part of the general policy of Western elites to foment more and more regional conflicts, inter-ethnic and inter-religious enmity, to contain sovereign, independent centres of world development, the president added.
“We reject the claims of any state or alliance to exclusivity, we know where the exorbitance of such ambitions leads,” Vladimir Putin said.
The Russian President added that the country would do everything to prevent a global clash, but would not allow anyone to threaten it either. The Supreme Commander-in-Chief reminded that the Russian strategic forces are always on alert.
The head of state said that the fate of mankind was decided in bloody battles from Murmansk to the Caucasus and Crimea. At the same time, Russia remembers and has never downplayed the importance of the second front and the help of the allies.
“We honour the bravery of all the soldiers of the anti-Hitler coalition, resistance fighters, underground fighters, partisans. We will never forget our common struggle and inspiring traditions of alliance,” Putin said.
The head of state emphasised that Victory Day unites all generations.
“We are moving forward, relying on our centuries-old traditions. And I am sure that together we will ensure a free, secure future of Russia, our united people,” the Russian President concluded.
Recall, earlier on Red Square in Moscow held a traditional military parade in honour of the 79th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin made a speech before the parade and noted that our ancestors “defended their native land and crushed Nazism”. According to the head of state, Russia today is fighting against the followers of Nazism and the conductors of terrorism.