politics
Putin Condemns NATO Support for Ukraine in Victory Day Address
Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke during a scaled-back Victory Day military parade in Moscow on May 9 2026. He said the generation that defeated Nazi Germany inspires Russian forces conducting what he called special military operations in Ukraine. Putin stated that Ukraine is armed and supported by the entire NATO bloc.
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The event marked the anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in the Second World War. Putin linked that historical victory to current Russian military operations. " The remarks were part of an address that focused on NATO's role in the conflict.
Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. NATO and individual member nations including the UK have provided military, financial and political support to Ukraine since the invasion began. The scale of the 2026 Victory Day events in Moscow was reduced compared with previous years.
Putin has repeatedly drawn parallels between that conflict and the war in Ukraine. Saturday's address continued that pattern by invoking the "generation of victors" as inspiration for Russian troops. Western governments and Ukraine describe it as an unprovoked war of aggression launched by Russia.
NATO has coordinated weapons deliveries, training and intelligence sharing with Ukrainian forces while stopping short of direct combat involvement. The alliance has described its support as necessary to uphold international law and deter further Russian territorial expansion in Europe.
