The President of Russia, Vladimir Putinaffirmed this Sunday that, “as in 1945, victory will be ours”, drawing numerous comparisons between the Second World War and the Ukraine conflict, on the occasion of the 77th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany.
“Today our soldiers, like their ancestors, fight shoulder to shoulder for the liberation of their homeland from Nazi filth, confident that, as in 1945, victory will be ours“Putin said, on the eve of the commemoration of the date, May 8.
“Today, the common duty is to prevent the resurgence of Nazism, which caused so much suffering to the peoples of different countries,” added Putin, who wished “that the new generations are worthy of the memory of their parents and grandparents.”
Putin also made numerous references not only to soldiers but also to civilians on the “home front” who “crushed Nazism at the cost of countless sacrifices.”
“Unfortunately, today Nazism is raising its head again,” said the Russian president, in a passage addressed to the Ukrainians, whom he wished “a peaceful and just future.”
“Our sacred duty is to stop the ideological successors of those who were defeated” in World War II, which Moscow calls “the great patriotic war”Putin said.
This Monday, Russia will commemorate the victory against Nazi Germany with a military parade.
Russia says the operation launched in Ukraine on February 24 is aimed at “demilitarizing” and “denazifying” Ukraine.