Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed confidence in Russia’s victory in Ukraine while overseeing the Victory Day military parade at Red Square, marking the 81st anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Several foreign leaders also attended the ceremony. Addressing the gathering on Saturday, Mr. Putin praised Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, saying they were confronting an aggressive force armed and supported by the entire NATO bloc.
The parade was held without tanks, missiles, or other heavy military equipment for the first time in nearly two decades, apart from a traditional flyover by combat jets. Russian officials said the sudden change in format was due to the current operational situation and heightened security concerns over possible Ukrainian attacks. The parade also featured troops from North Korea for the first time, as a tribute to Pyongyang that sent its soldiers to fight alongside Moscow forces against Ukraine.
