By Our Correspondent

National News – Russian President Vladimir Putin used the 2026 Victory Day parade in Moscow to defend Russia’s war in Ukraine, accuse NATO of backing aggression, and praise Russian troops fighting on the battlefield.

The speech came during scaled-back celebrations marking the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

Putin addressed hundreds of soldiers gathered in Red Square on May 9, saying Russia was fighting a “just war” against what he described as an aggressive Ukraine supported by Nato countries.

He honoured Soviet soldiers who fought during World War II and linked their sacrifices to Russian troops currently involved in the conflict in Ukraine.

For the first time in years, the annual military parade did not display tanks, armoured vehicles, or ballistic missiles.

Russian officials explained that military equipment was needed on the battlefield instead of public ceremonies.

Security was also tightened due to concerns over possible Ukrainian drone attacks.

Several foreign leaders attended the event, including Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, and Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

North Korean soldiers were also seen marching during the parade.

After the ceremony, Russia’s defence ministry accused Ukraine of violating a three-day ceasefire announced ahead of the celebrations. Ukraine did not immediately respond to the allegation.

Despite the truce, both countries have continued accusing each other of attacks and ceasefire violations.

Victory Day remains one of Russia’s most important national events and has increasingly been used by the Kremlin to showcase patriotism, military strength, and support for the war effort since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.