Putin promises Russia ‘will win, just like 1945’

Russian President Vladimir Putin – Photo: REUTERS

In his May 8 speech, Putin said that Russia’s soldiers “are like their forefathers, fighting side by side to liberate their homeland”. He believes that “as in 1945, victory will be ours”.

According to AFP news agency, Putin also stressed that the common task of present Russia is “to prevent the rebirth of Nazism”, and hopes “new generations can be worthy of the memory of their fathers”. their”.

The Russian president mentioned not only the soldiers, but also the civilians on “the homeland front… who crushed Nazism at the cost of countless sacrifices”.

“Sadly, today, Nazism has risen again,” Putin said.

On the same day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that “evil has returned” to Europe in a speech commemorating World War II.

Mr. Zelensky said that the past has returned with “different uniforms, under different slogans”.

Before that, President Putin had affirmed that Ukraine was in the grip of fascism. He views the situation as a threat to Russia and the Russian-speaking minority in eastern Ukraine.

Russia conducted a “special military operation” in Ukraine in February for the same reason.

In his speech, Putin wished “all Ukrainians a peaceful and just future”.

On May 9, Moscow will officially celebrate its victory over Nazi Germany with a large military parade.