Putin defends Ukraine offensive as Russia marks Victory Day

At Russia's annual Victory Day parade in Moscow, President Vladimir Putin on Monday said that the intervention in Ukraine was necessary as the West was creating threats to Russia's borders and preparing for the invasion of Russian lands. He also said the West ignored Russia's proposals for dialogue. Putin said Russian forces are defending the "motherland" in Ukraine and continuing the battle against Nazism. Russia had no choice, Putin said, but to undertake a pre-emptive response, calling it “the only right decision” for a “sovereign, strong and independent country”.He insisted that Russia was not looking to expand the conflict, saying it was important “to do everything so that the horror of a global war does not happen again". Putin's 11-minute speech, on day 75 of the invasion, was largely notable for what he did not say. He did not mention Ukraine by name, gave no assessment of progress in the war and offered no indication of how long it might continue. There was no mention of the bloody battle for Mariupol,

Russia celebrates May 9 as Victory Day, the day when Russian troops triumphed over Nazi Germany in World War II. It is an annual celebration where Moscow holds parades and showcases its tanks, missiles, etc. This time the celebration has an added significance as Russia’s attacks on Ukraine continue.