Putin says Russia fighting for motherland in Ukraine in Victory Day speech

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russian forces in Ukraine were fighting for the future of their motherland, in his annual address marking victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two.

Despite rumours he would make a major announcement his speech stuck largely to defending Russia's invasion.

He tied the war in Ukraine to victory in 1945, blaming the West and Nato for rejecting security demands.

Almost 10 weeks into the invasion, civilian casualties continue to mount.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russian forces in Ukraine were fighting for the future of their motherland, in his annual address marking victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two.

Despite rumours he would make a major announcement his speech stuck largely to defending Russia's invasion. He tied the war in Ukraine to victory in 1945, blaming the West and Nato for rejecting security demands.

Almost 10 weeks into the invasion, civilian casualties continue to mount. Some 60 civilians are feared dead in the eastern town of Bilohorivka, after a Russian attack on a school where people were trying to escape bombardment.

Flanked by military top brass, Russia's leader spoke of Ukrainians as fascists, repeating his false claim that the democratic government in Kyiv was run by neo-Nazis.

Defending the motherland had always been sacred, he said, referring to the eastern region which is now the main focus of Russia's assault: "Today you are fighting for our people in Donbas, for the security of Russia, our homeland."

He also made unfounded allegations against Nato and Ukraine:, saying: "They were preparing a punishing operation in Donbas to intrude on our historic lands. In Kyiv they were saying they might get nuclear weapons and Nato started exploring the lands close to us, and that became an obvious threat to us and our borders."

Ending his 11-minute address, the Russian president said: "Glory to our armed forces - for Russia, for victory, hoorah", at which the assembled forces responded with a big cheer.

Russian news agencies said 11,000 troops and 131 armoured vehicles took part in the event, including Russia's widely feted Armata tanks, which have not been considered combat-ready for the war in Ukraine. Smaller parades were planned to mark the day in cities across Russia.

IMAGE SOURCE,GETTY IMAGES

Image caption,

Around 11,000 Russian troops took part in the Victory Day march on Red Square

Not everything went according to plan. A flypast by the air force had to be cancelled shortly before the parade because of "weather conditions", according to the Kremlin.Long-range nuclear missiles were also trundled through Red Square – a potent reminder of Russia’s massive nuclear arsenal – a threat that Russian leaders have referred to more than once as this conflict has developed into an attritional struggle with only limited Russian gains.