Victory Day Parade in Moscow, Putin spoke for eight and a half minutes, ministers were banned from attending: "The Russian army's goal is just" (VIDEO)
The Victory Day parade in Moscow concluded with laying flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
TL;DR
- The Victory Day parade in Moscow concluded with laying flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
- President Putin's speech lasted over 8 and a half minutes.
- Few foreign dignitaries attended, including Siniša Karan and Milorad Dodik from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- The parade featured a modest infantry section without military vehicles.
- Putin stated Russian soldiers are fighting an "aggressive force" supported by NATO, and their goal is "just".
- The event was scaled back due to security fears and war fatigue in Ukraine.
- No military hardware was displayed for the first time in nearly two decades.
- Russia and Ukraine agreed to a three-day ceasefire for the event.
- A veteran of the Ukraine invasion sat next to Putin, as did a WWII veteran.
- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko was present with his son.
- Ministers and vice-premiers were not allowed on the viewing stands.
- Duma deputies were previously banned from participating.
- Attendance was limited to members of the Security Council and officials close to Putin.