Putin tells Russians on VE Day that the world is at a turning point

May 9 (Reuters) – President Vladimir Putin told Russians on Tuesday that the world was at a turning point and that they were engaged in a patriotic fight for their country’s future, as the country marked the anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany in the world. War Two.

“Today, civilization is again at a turning point. A real war has been unleashed against our homeland. We have repelled international terrorism, we will protect the people of Donbass, we will ensure our security,” Putin said as he spoke. the country marked the anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

In a 10-minute speech in Red Square, Putin repeated familiar messages he delivered repeatedly during Russia’s nearly 15 months of war in Ukraine.

He said “Western globalist elites” were sowing Russophobia and aggressive nationalism, while the Ukrainian people had become “hostage to a coup” and the ambitions of the West.

He did not address the challenges Russia faces as its forces prepare for an expected major counteroffensive from Ukraine, nor did he chart a path to victory.

The speech, followed by a huge military parade in Red Square, came in the wake of a wave of strikes inside Russia this month – including an alleged drone attack on the Kremlin citadel itself less than a week ago.

Additional reporting by Reuters Television; Written by Gareth Jones; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne

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