In connection with the Russian “Victory Day”, President Vladimir Putin speaks in Red Square in Moscow.
– We see that the truth about the Second World War is being destroyed, says Putin, according to the Reuters news agency.
A parade is being held in Moscow today, on what is called Victory Day, to mark the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
The day is the country’s biggest non-religious public holiday.
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– Difficult period
This year’s commemoration appears to be toned down in several Russian regions – especially near the border with Ukraine.
Putin says in his speech that they will do everything they can to avoid a global confrontation.
Nevertheless, he points out that the Russian forces are always ready for war, and that they will not allow themselves to be threatened by anyone.
– Russia is in a difficult period, the future of our country is in our hands, says Putin during his speech.
Falsifying history
At the same time as Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the West of destroying the truth about World War II, known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War, he himself falsified history.
– All the Soviet republics faced the Nazis almost alone. Virtually all of Europe worked for the Wehrmacht, but Russia never tried to downplay the efforts of our allies, such as the partisans and the courage of the Chinese people, who fought bravely against the Japanese Empire, said Putin.
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Although Nazi Germany managed to subjugate large parts of Europe, resistance movements in many European countries fought against the Wehrmacht throughout the war. So did Great Britain and from 1941 the United States.
The Soviet partisans, whom Putin described as allies, also did not receive a hero’s welcome after the war. Many were regularly sent to penal camps and the so-called Gulag system. So were many Soviet soldiers who were taken as prisoners of war during the war.
Compares with the Ukraine war
Putin also drew parallels between World War II and Russia’s war against Ukraine, which in Russia is called a military special operation.
– We are going through a difficult but decisive period. The outcome depends on all of us. We must be aware of them. We look to the brave victory generation, their ability to preserve friendship and stand up to difficulties, their loyalty and love for the motherland, Putin said
The Russian president concluded the speech optimistically:
– Together, I am sure that we will secure a free and secure future for our nation. Glory to the defense, glory to Russia, glory to the victory
