During the annual military parade to commemorate Victory Day in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that his country’s strategic nuclear forces are on permanent alert.
“The West is trying to provoke conflicts”
He also added that the West is trying to provoke conflicts and hostility between countries in the world, and seeks to contain sovereign development centers, according to TASS.
Putin used the occasion to praise his soldiers and veterans in his army and to showcase Russian military equipment, which he hopes everyone around the world will see.
“Existential battle”
The Russian President has repeatedly stressed that the war his country is currently waging in Ukraine is an existential battle against “Nazism.”
In addition, the authorities have strengthened security measures in the Russian capital ahead of this year’s parade, which comes in the wake of a series of Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Russian territory.
“Closing parts of Moscow”
Night rehearsals took place weeks before, while parts of central Moscow were closed for the passage of military vehicles, and huge banners were raised along the walls of the Kremlin in Red Square.
These celebrations came two days after Putin pledged during a lavish inauguration ceremony on Tuesday to achieve “victory” for the Russians, beginning a record fifth presidential term.
“Nuclear weapons training”
Putin also intensified his nuclear threats, issuing orders earlier this week to the Russian army to hold nuclear weapons exercises involving naval forces and soldiers stationed near Ukraine.
Last year, Russia abandoned its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and withdrew from a key agreement with the United States aimed at preventing the spread of weapons.
