Russian President Vladimir Putin used the occasion of World War II Victory Day to issue a stark warning of the risks of global conflict, positioning Russia as both a bulwark against and a potential leader in such a scenario. Putin’s speech came as Moscow commemorated the 79th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany, a victory steeped in both historical significance and contemporary geopolitical tension.
Putin accused the West of fostering global conflict risks and declared that Russia, which he touted as the world’s biggest nuclear power, would resist any threats to its security. “We know what the exorbitance of such ambitions leads to. Russia will do everything to prevent a global clash,” Putin stated on Red Square, as he was flanked by troops during a rare May snowstorm. He emphasized, “But at the same time, we will not allow anyone to threaten us. Our strategic forces are always in a state of combat readiness.”
These remarks reflect ongoing strains amid the conflict in Ukraine, which has seen Russian forces seize control of approximately 18% of Ukrainian territory since the invasion in February 2022. The West, particularly the United States and European allies, have been ardent in their support of Ukraine, providing billions in aid and advanced weaponry, stoking Russian officials’ concerns about the conflict escalating into a wider war.
The Victory Day parade itself was a muted affair compared to previous years, indicative of the toll the Ukraine conflict has taken on Russia’s military capabilities. A solitary T-34 tank, a symbol of the Soviet triumph in the Second World War, was on display, contrasting with the typical display of military might.
In his address, Putin highlighted the immense sacrifices made by the Soviet Union during World War II, with the loss of 27 million lives, including many millions in Ukraine. He lambasted the West for allegedly trying to sideline Russia’s decisive role in defeating Nazi Germany and inciting strife across the globe. “In the West, they would like to forget the lessons of the Second World War,” Putin remarked.
Though the Soviet Union’s Victory Day on May 9 is celebrated as a triumph over Nazi Germany, this year’s event was overshadowed by the absence of Western leaders and the presence of only allies from former Soviet states and other countries like Cuba, Laos, and Guinea-Bissau. This isolation underscores the current geopolitical rift between Russia and the West.
Amid these tensions, Putin’s Victory Day speech was seen as a reminder of Russia’s nuclear prowess. Russia featured its Yars intercontinental strategic missile, which, according to a TV announcer, has “a guaranteed capability to strike a target on any point of the globe.”
Relevant articles:
– Putin warns of global clash as Russia marks victory in World War Two , Reuters, 05/09/2024
– Putin warns of global clash as Russia marks victory in World War II, NBC News, 05/09/2024
– Vladimir Putin warns of global clash as Russia marks Victory Day, South China Morning Post, 05/09/2024
– Russian President Warns Of Global Conflict During World War 2 Victory Day Celebrations, But Says ‘Will Do Everything’ To Prevent Clash, Benzinga, 05/09/2024