“Russia has been and will remain an indestructible barrier over Nazism, Russophobia, and anti-Semitism, and will fight against the outrages committed by the advocates of these aggressive and destructive ideas. Truth and justice are on our side,” Putin said in his speech at the beginning of the military parade for the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany.

We are all united today by feelings of joy and sadness, pride and gratitude, adoration for the generation that crushed Nazism and conquered freedom for all humanity at the cost of millions of lives, the president remarked.

Putin stressed that parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents saved the homeland and bequeathed to them the duty to unite and defend national interests, ancient history, culture, and traditional values.

The head of State noted that the Russian people, as heirs of the liberators, celebrate May 9 as a significant holiday for the whole nation, every family, and every Russian.

He recalled that the complete defeat of Nazi Germany, militaristic Japan, and their satellites in several regions of the world was achieved through the joint efforts of the United Nations countries.

The president concluded, “We will always rely on our unity in military and peaceful affairs, in achieving strategic goals, and solving problems on behalf of Russia, its greatness, and prosperity.” Putin’s speech followed a military parade to honor the Soviet heroes.

The presidents from some 30 countries, including Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva; Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro; Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Canel; China, Xi Jinping; and Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, attended the celebration.

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