Putin denounces Nato at scaled back Victory Day parade

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Putin denounces Nato at scaled back Victory Day parade17 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleAlys DaviesKremlin. ru/Handout via ReutersVladimir Putin has used his annual Victory Day speech in Moscow's Red Square to justify his war in Ukraine and denounce Nato. Speaking in front of hundreds of military personnel and flanked by a few world leaders, the Russian president said he was fighting a "just" war and called Ukraine an "aggressive force" that is being "armed and supported by the whole bloc of Nato".

His remarks come amid muted celebrations across parts of Russia to mark the nation's biggest national holiday, which commemorates the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany. Ahead of the celebrations, Russia and Ukraine agreed to observe a three-day ceasefire, which was announced by US President Donald Trump on Friday. For the first time in nearly two decades, no military hardware featured in Moscow's Victory Day parade.

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But under tightened security, military personnel marched in droves across Red Square. Addressing the crowd, Putin started his speech by commemorating the sacrifices of USSR soldiers during World War Two. "The great feat of the generation of victors inspires the soldiers carrying out the goals of the special military operation today," he said, referring to the war in Ukraine.

"They are confronting an aggressive force armed and supported by the whole bloc of Nato. And despite this, our heroes move forward. "The Russian leader went on to celebrate the citizens of Russia, making reference to the contributions of workers to its war effort, including scientists, inventors, military correspondents, doctors and teachers.

"No matter how military tactics change, the future of the country is being provided for by the people," he said. Immediately after the speech, cannons fired successive rounds before music was played by a military brass band. Behind Putin was Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.

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Also in attendance at the event were Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith and Malaysia's King, Sultan Ibrahim. Markedly fewer world leaders turned up compared to last year's 80th anniversary parade, which included China's President Xi Jinping and Brazil's Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Russian TV viewers were also shown a broadcast of soldiers on the front lines after Putin's speech.

ru/Handout via REUTERSNo military hardware featured at the event in Moscow for the first time in yearsAnadolu via Getty ImagesSoldiers from Russian regiments participatedEPA/ShutterstockNorth Korean soldiers also took partAhead of the parade in Moscow, other celebrations had already taken place in cities in Russia's east. They included celebrations in far-eastern Vladivostok, where people participated in a march commemorating war veterans, known as the Immortal Regiment march. ReutersSoldiers gathered for a parade in the far-eastern city of VladivostokReutersLocals took part in an Immortal Regiment march.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.