Putin in speech on Victory Day: ‘Our strategic forces are always ready to fight’
Vladimir Putin said in a speech commemorating the end of the Second World War that Russia will not be threatened by other countries. The president spoke in front of thousands of soldiers and other attendees on Red Square on Victory Day.
“Russia will do everything it can to avoid a global clash. But at the same time, we will not allow anyone to threaten us. Our strategic forces are always ready to fight,” Putin said in a short speech.
Victory Day commemorates the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany. The day is accompanied by a large parade with marching soldiers, military vehicles and weapons.
Putin asked for a minute’s silence at the end of his speech, before concluding with the words “For Russia! For victory! Hooray!” This was answered by the soldiers with a loud three cheers, gun salutes and the Russian national anthem.
