“The Victory Day unites all generations,” Putin said in a speech at Red Square parade held in shivering cold with snow flurries. Many wear the black-and-orange St. George’s ribbon that is traditionally associated with Victory Day. When he sent troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, Putin evoked World War II in seeking to justify his actions that Kyiv and its Western allies denounced as an unprovoked war of aggression. Putin tried to cast Ukraine’s veneration of some of its nationalist leaders who cooperated with the Nazis in World War II as a sign of Kyiv’s purported Nazi sympathies. Many observers see Putin’s focus on World War II as part of his efforts to revive the USSR’s clout and prestige and his reliance on Soviet practices.

Source: ABC News May 09, 2024 09:49 UTC