Moscow, May 9 (EFE).- Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an address Thursday to mark the 79th anniversary of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in World War II, said his country would do everything possible to prevent a global conflict.

Russian servicemen take part in the Victory Day military parade on the Red Square in Moscow, Russia, 09 May 2024. EFE/EPA/MAXIM SHIPENKOV

Russia will do everything possible to avoid a global confrontation, he said, during the traditional military parade of over 9,000 soldiers in Red Square.

The T-34, a Soviet medium tank from World War II, takes part in the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, 09 May 2024. EFE/EPA/YURI KOCHETKOV

However, he also warned that he would not allow anyone to threaten Russia and said his country’s strategic forces were always on alert.

The leader called for a minute of silence for those killed in World War II, between 1941 and 1945, in which the Soviet Union lost more than 26 million people, including civilians and soldiers.

His speech comes amidst the third year of the ongoing war with Ukraine, which Russia calls a “special military operation.”

He accused the West, which is aiding Ukraine with military and humanitarian supplies, of distorting facts about World War II, putting Nazi collaborators on pedestals, and demolishing memorials to fighters against Nazism.

However, he stressed that Russia has never belittled the role of the Western allies in defeating Nazism and also recalled China’s fight against Japanese Imperialism.

“We will never forget our common struggle and the inspiring traditions of alliance,” he said.

Leaders of six former Soviet Union countries, including Belarus and Kazakhstan, attended the Victory Day event. Cuban leader Miguel Diaz-Canel and leaders from Laos and Guinea-Bissau were also present. EFE

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