Russia launched cruise missiles at Kiev on Tuesday and paraded troops and period equipment across Red Square in a hushed celebration of victory in World War II as Kiev defended itself from airstrikes and welcomed the head of the European Union.
In an impassioned 10-minute speech outside the Kremlin walls, Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized “Western global elites” and said Russia once again faced an existential threat.
“Today, civilization is once again at a decisive turning point. A real war has been unleashed against our motherland,” said the Russian leader, who last year ordered what the West calls an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, destroying cities and towns and killing thousands. civilians.
May 9, the Moscow time date of Germany’s surrender on May 8, 1945, is the most important holiday in Russia under Putin, who sees his invasion of Ukraine as analogous to the threat Russia faced from the Nazis in the second World War.
Ukraine, which hosts European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, said its air defenses shot down 23 of 25 Russian cruise missiles fired mostly at the capital Kiev overnight, and there were no reports of casualties . It was the second consecutive night of major Russian air strikes and the fifth so far this month.
Putin said the whole country was praying for its frontline “heroes” and concluded with a salute to “Russia, for our valiant armed forces, for victory!”
After he spoke, a band started playing and a cannon fired. Soldiers marched through the square, followed by armored vehicles and nuclear-capable ICBMs in a significantly smaller parade than in previous years.
A warplane flyby of Moscow has been canceled and parades in some other cities scaled back or cancelled, amid security concerns – including drones that exploded over the Kremlin citadel itself last week – and troop shortages and weapons at the front.
The traditional “Immortal Regiment” processions, in which portraits of relatives who fought against the Nazis are carried, have been cancelled.
State television hailed the arrival of the “legendary T-34 tank,” a WWII relic on display in the space normally occupied by modern main battle tanks.
In Ukraine, there are no reports of casualties from Russia’s latest wave of airstrikes on the capital.
“During the night of ‘sacred’ May 9, (they) launched an attack on the territory of Ukraine,” the Ukrainian Air Force said.
Sergei Popko, head of Kiev’s military administration, said the Russians were trying to kill civilians. “As at the front, the aggressor’s plans failed.”
Moscow denies targeting civilians and says its airstrikes are aimed at reducing Ukraine’s combat capability.
Russia has stepped up its attacks this month in anticipation of an imminent Ukrainian counter-offensive after a failed Russian winter campaign captured little territory despite the bloodiest ground fighting in Europe since World War II.
Kiev symbolized its break with Moscow this year by moving its WWII victory celebration to May 8, in line with its European allies; on May 9, he celebrated a declaration that led to the founding of the body that became the European Union.
“It’s good to be back in Kiev. Where the values ​​we hold dear are upheld every day,” von der Leyen tweeted, calling the city “a very suitable place to celebrate Europe Day.”
Source: Terra
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