Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday accused the West of sowing discord and unleashing a "real war" against his homeland during his speech at an annual event marking the anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
In a public address during Victory Day celebrations at Red Square in central Moscow, the second since Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year, Putin said the war has placed the world at a "turning point" that will determine his country's fate as he called on his people to unite.
Putin stressed his intention to persist in the invasion of Ukraine, saying Russia's future depends on those engaged in the military operation.
Russia's presidential office said last week that the Kremlin had been the target of an attack by two Ukrainian drones, condemning it as an assassination attempt on Putin.
Moscow was on high alert this year, with road closures beginning in central areas from the morning. Military parades were canceled in over 20 Russian cities amid heightened security concerns over possible Ukrainian counterattacks, according to local media.
A military parade featuring over 10,000 personnel and a display of military equipment, including intercontinental ballistic missiles and other state-of-the-art weaponry, were also part of the ceremony.
But the traditional flyover was reportedly scrapped for the second year in a row. Russia canceled it last year, citing unfavorable weather.
The parade was attended by the leaders of five other post-Soviet states in the Collective Security Treaty Organization, a Russian-led military alliance.
Victory Day is considered one of the most patriotic dates on the Russian calendar, with events held nationwide. It has been celebrated with increasing fanfare under the Putin administration.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday that his country will henceforth celebrate Victory Day on May 8 in line with other European countries rather than on the same day as Russia.
