Putin lashes out: 'Not allowing them to threaten us'
Vladimir Putin speaks at length to his compatriots from Red Square on Thursday to mark Victory Day, the holiday on which Russia celebrates its victory over Nazi Germany.
Today marks exactly 79 years after Russia defeated Nazi Germany on 9 May 1945. The common thread throughout the speech by 71-year-old Putin, who has just begun his fifth six-year term at the head of the Kremlin, is emphasising the fact that Russians are one united nation. In addition, Putin also lashes out at the West. We list for you some of his strongest statements.
"Russia is united. (...) We are one people."
"Russia will do everything to prevent global conflict, but we will not allow them to threaten us."
"We see how the truth about World War II is being distorted."
"Our strategic forces are always combat-ready."
"Russia has never impaired the contribution of allies during World War II."
"Russia is going through a difficult period, the future of the motherland depends on us."
Victory Day had started in Moscow with a military parade.
(SR for Tagtik/Source: Reuters - AFP/Illustration picture: Klimkin for Pixabay)
