Putin promises to increase Russia's military potential
President Vladimir Putin, in his Victory Day speech, promised to ensure Russia's military potential. The Russian president’s statement was made on the public holiday, the significance of which has grown substantially over the twenty years of his leadership.
Putin gave a speech in Red Square in front of thousands of soldiers and veterans at the beginning of the annual parade, which displayed hundreds of units of military equipment.
“The lessons of the past war are still relevant. We have done and will continue to do everything necessary to ensure the high combat capability of our Armed Forces, “said Putin.
He added that Russian modern army remembers the oath given by the Soviet soldiers who fought against Nazi Germany: "I die, but I do not surrender."
This year, the two-day celebrations to commemorate the victory of 1945 are taking place against the backdrop of heightened tension in Russia and the West as well as fears about a new arms race between Russia and the United States.
In addition, Moscow recently announced its intention to increase its military presence in the Arctic in an effort to consolidate its influence in this strategic region.
Parades and celebrations were held throughout the country, from the Kaliningrad region to Sakhalin Island near Japan in the Far East.
However, according to news agencies, the aviation part of the parade in Moscow was cancelled due to bad weather.
Russian state television showed demonstrations that took place on the territory of the former USSR, including the unrecognized Luhansk People’s Republic, the Ukrainian region, which is controlled by pro-Russian militants.
Five years of conflict between the Ukrainian government forces and the separatists in five years claimed about 13 thousand lives.