Putin blames the West for Ukraine conflict in Victory Day speech

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday promised victory in what he calls Russia's special military operation in Ukraine during low-key Victory Day celebrations marking the Soviet defeat of Nazi forces in World War II. Putin blamed the West for the Ukraine conflict, which Russia falsely links to the fight against Nazis, saying foreign enemies were using it as a proxy war against Russia. "A real war has once again been waged against our homeland. Today, civilization is at a critical juncture," Putin said. Russia scaled down this year's parade, which included World War II-era tanks but less heavy military equipment as usual. Hours before the parade, Russia rained missiles on parts of Ukraine.