The Russian president praised Victory Day guests as true “leaders by character” unafraid to stand for their beliefs
Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the Ukrainian government of attempting to intimidate foreign leaders who traveled to Moscow for Victory Day celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany.
Putin criticized Kiev for escalating attacks during Russia’s unilaterally declared ceasefire period, which included multiple drone strikes and attempted ground incursions into Russia’s Kursk and Belgorod regions. These actions, he told journalists in the early hours of Sunday, were intended not only to provoke militarily but also to pressure the foreign dignitaries in attendance.
“The Kiev authorities not only rejected our proposal for a ceasefire, but also, as we all saw, they tried to intimidate the leaders of states gathered for the celebrations in Moscow,” Putin said.
Despite threats from Kiev and intense pressure from Western governments, dozens of leaders from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and a few from Europe joined the commemorative events in Moscow. Putin praised their resolve, saying they showed moral courage in defying “blackmail” and “ultimatums.”
“And who tried to intimidate them? Those who salute and applaud former SS soldiers. Who elevate those who collaborated with Hitler during World War II to the rank of national heroes,” he added.
Among the attendees were 28 leaders from China, Brazil, Egypt, Venezuela, Cuba, Belarus, and many others from former Soviet republics, Africa, and Asia. Putin specifically praised Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, both of whom had faced significant pressure from the EU over their participation.
He described the foreign guests in Moscow as “leaders by character” who are “ready to stand up for their beliefs,” emphasizing that they were not swayed by political threats and chose instead to honor the legacy of the anti-fascist struggle.
“We understand the massive pressure they faced. And that’s why we sincerely appreciate their political courage, firm moral stance, and the decision to share the celebration with us — to pay tribute to the memory of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War, of World War II, who fought for their homeland and for ridding all mankind of the brown plague,” Putin said.
