Putin blames the West for Ukraine war in ‘Victory Day’ speech
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Russian President Vladimir Putin can be seen onscreen as he gives a speech at the 77th Anniversary of Victory Day on Red Square, Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2022.
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On Monday, President Vladimir Putin tried to defend Russia’s invasion of Ukraine unprovoked in his annual “Victory Day” speech. He urged his troops to victory and evoked Russia’s defeat over Nazi Germany during World War II.
Putin stated that Russia invaded Ukraine to prevent a large parade of tanks, troops and other military equipment in Moscow. This was according to comments made by Reuters.
Putin could have been referring to Russia or to territory Moscow believes to be Russian. This includes Crimea, which it annexed from Ukraine in 2014, and the eastern Donbas region, where Donetsk and Luhansk — two pro-Russian self-proclaimed “republics” — are located.
Putin did not provide any evidence to support his claims. Instead, he used the speech as an opportunity to criticize NATO and Ukraine’s allies and justify Russia’s “special military operations” in Ukraine.
Prior to the invasion, Russia had amassed almost 200,000 troops along its border with Ukraine — insisting all the while that it had no intention of invading. Although there was no evidence that Russia had attacked Ukraine militarily, many saw Moscow’s assertions to the contrary as justification for its invasion.
During the Victory Day Military Parade in Moscow, May 9-2022, Russian honor guards marched on Red Square.
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The remarks come as Russia commemorates one of the most important events on its national calendar — Victory Day — marking the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
Putin invoked that victory Monday in his speech, urging the Russian army to victory in Ukraine. He also said it was important to keep in mind those who defeated Nazism.
He said, “Defending Motherland in times of uncertainty has been sacred.” “Today, you’re fighting for Donbas people for Russia’s safety, our homeland.”
Donbas focus
Putin made frequent references to Donbass multiple times during his speech. He appeared to be doubling down on Russia’s recent strategy of focusing only on Donetsk and Luhansk.
This region was the scene of some of the bloodiest fighting in Ukraine since Russia invaded Ukraine Feb. 24.
On Red Square, a security guard watches the Victory Day parade through central Moscow. It will take place on May 9, 2022. Russia marks the 77th Anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
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Putin is especially interested in Mariupol, the southern port city. It would allow for a land link between Russia and Crimea to be established via Donbas.
The east seems to be fighting more, as Russia attacked a school in Ukraine this weekend, killing approximately 60 people. This was President Volodymyr Zeleskyy’s address on Sunday to G-7 leaders, the most industrialized nations in the world.
Russia did not comment on this latest attack. It has previously denied attacking civilian infrastructure, despite ample evidence.
Russia’s invasion prompted condemnation from the international community and wide-ranging economic restrictions on its key sectors, businesses and those who have any connection to the Kremlin.
Russian officers marched during the Victory Day Parade rehearsal on May 7, 2022, in Moscow.
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Putin has appeared unrepentant, however, vowing repeatedly to purge Ukraine of what he call its “Nazi” nationalist leadership — a baseless claim, widely discredited, that is seen as Putin’s way of justifying the invasion to the domestic audience.
G-7 leaders pledged to support Russia’s economic isolation on Sunday. They also decried the invasion by saying that Putin’s actions would “bring shame upon Russia and the historical sacrifices of its citizens”, referring to Russia’s part in the defeat of Nazi Germany.
Zelenskyy is Jewish and released Sunday’s video address. It was recorded in front of half-destroyed Ukrainian apartments blocks after Russian bombardment. The Ukrainian president claimed that evil has returned but insisted that his country wouldn’t lose the war. He said that Russia will lose as evil always wins.
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