Putin denounces Nato at scaled back Victory Day parade

Putin denounces Nato at scaled back Victory Day paradeJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleAlys DaviesKremlin.ru/Handout via ReutersVladimir Putin has used his annual Victory Day speech in Moscow's Red Square to justify his war in Ukraine and denounce Nato.Speaking in front of hundreds of military personnel and flanked by a few world leaders, the Russian president said he was fighting a "just" war and called Ukraine an "aggressive force" that is being "armed and supported by the whole bloc of Nato".His remarks come amid muted celebrations across parts of Russia to mark the nation's biggest national holiday, which commemorates the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany.Ahead of the celebrations, Russia and Ukraine agreed to observe a three-day ceasefire, which was announced by US President Donald Trump on Friday.For the first time in nearly two decades, no military hardware featured in Moscow's Victory Day parade.But under tightened security, military personnel marched in droves across Red Square.Addressing the crowd, Putin started his speech by commemorating the sacrifices of USSR soldiers during World War Two. "The great feat of the generation of victors inspires the soldiers carrying out the goals of the special military operation today," he said, referring to the war in Ukraine."They are confronting an aggressive force armed and supported by the whole bloc of Nato. And despite this, our heroes move forward."The Russian leader went on to celebrate the citizens of Russia, making reference to the contributions of workers to its war effort, including scientists, inventors, military correspondents, doctors and teachers."No matter how military tactics change, the future of the country is being provided for by the people," he said.Immediately after the speech, cannons fired successive rounds before music was played by a military brass band.Behind Putin was Belarusian leader Alexander...