Putin's military might on parade

RUSSIA celebrated the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany with a massive parade of tanks, missiles and troops.

- Rebecca Robinson

President Vladimir Putin welcomed more than two dozen world leaders to Moscow for the event — including China’s Xi Jinping.

Some 11,000 troops were paraded into Red Square, including approximately 1,500 who had seen combat in Ukraine.

Defeat

During his Victory Day speech, Putin said: “Dear friends, in the Second World War, almost 80% of the population were involved in the complete defeat of Nazi Germany and militarist Japan.... I thank the efforts of the Allied forces, the resistance, and the people of China, everyone who fought for a peaceful future. Glory to the people who won the war.”

The Russian president also used his address to justify his actions in Ukraine. He said: “The Soviet Union took upon itself the most ferocious, merciless blows of the enemy. Truth and justice are on our side. The entire country, society, and people support the participants of the Special Military Operation [in Ukraine].”