Russia has marked the 76th anniversary of victory in World War II with an annual Victory Day Parade. President Vladimir Putin on Sunday vowed that Russia will 'firmly' defend national interests and denounced the return of 'Russophobia'. At the same time, we will firmly defend our national interests to ensure the safety of our people,' Putin said. The commemorations of the 76th anniversary of the 1945 victory come as tensions with the West have reached near Cold War times in recent weeks. Russian MSTA-S self-propelled artillery howitzers take part in the Victory Day military parade in the Red Square in Moscow, RussiaArmored vehicles take part in the military parade during 76th anniversary of t Victory Day in Red Square in Moscow, RussiaRussian Sukhoi Su-35S fighters fly over central Moscow during the Victory Day military parade on May 9Clashes between the government and separatists have been intensifying since January in a conflict which has claimed more than 13,000 lives.

Source: The Nation May 09, 2021 10:52 UTC