He said that Russia’s military is “always ready” but admitted the country is in a “difficult period.”
Putin also used his speech to rail against the West and bolster public support in Russia for the war in Ukraine.
He said: “Today we see how they’re trying to distort the truth about World War 2. It interferes with those who are used to building their essentially colonial policy based on hypocrisy and lies.
“Revanchism, abuse of history, and an attempt to justify the current Nazi followers is part of an overall policy of the Western elites to stoke new regional conflicts.”
He added: “We celebrate Victory Day against the background of the special military operation.
“We bow our heads to the memory of civilians killed in the neo-Nazis’ barbarian shelling and terrorist acts and our brothers-in-arms who died in the righteous fight against neo-Nazism.”
On the threat of a global conflict involving the West and Russia, Putin warned: “Russia will do everything to prevent a global clash, but at the same time, we will not allow anyone to threaten us. Our strategic forces are always on alert.”
Putin was sworn in for his fifth term as President this week. While Russia has seen various ceremonies, Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been hit by a barrage of Russian missiles.
According to reports, Moscow hit Ukraine with more than 70 missiles and drones overnight.
President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the “massive missile attack,” while Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko said: “The enemy has not abandoned plans to deprive Ukrainians of light.”
