Putin says Russia will win war in Ukraine during Victory Day speech

Russian president Vladimir Putin said he was confident Russia would win the war in Ukraine during a Victory Day parade in Moscow on Saturday. Speaking in Red Square, Putin praised Russian troops and said they were fighting an “aggressive force” backed by NATO countries.

“Victory has always been and will always be ours”, Putin said during the annual event marking the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in the Second World War.

This year’s parade was smaller than usual because of security concerns and fears of possible Ukrainian drone attacks. For the first time in nearly 20 years, no tanks or heavy weapons appeared in the parade. Mobile internet services were also restricted in Moscow.

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Foreign leaders from several countries attended the event, including allies of Russia such as Belarus and Kazakhstan. The parade is normally used by the Kremlin to show military strength and encourage national pride.

The event took place during a temporary ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, brokered by US president Donald Trump and set to last until 11 May. So far, no violations have been reported.

Despite Putin’s confident speech, the war remains largely at a standstill more than four years after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Ukraine continues to receive military and political support from NATO countries, while both sides have intensified long-range attacks in recent months.

^{Russian president Vladimir Putin during the celebration of the 81st anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two (WWII) © Alexander NEMENOV / POOL / AFP}