And if a shadowy global cabal is pulling the strings in Kyiv, that belief justifies what Russia calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine. In his conspiratorial view of the world, states like Ukraine are merely vassals, and Washington calls the shots. It’s Putin’s longstanding view that Ukraine is not a legitimate nation - Ukrainians and Russians, in his view, are “one people” and the Ukrainian state is an artificial construct. It has become a pawn to their cruel and selfish plans.”ĭespite the pomp of the parade, Putin cuts an increasingly isolated figure. “The Ukrainian nation has become hostage to a coup which led to a criminal regime led by its Western masters. “Western globalist elites still talk about their exceptionalism, pitting people against each other and splitting society, provoking bloody conflicts and coups, sowing hatred, Russophobia, aggressive nationalism,” he said. While Russia sees “no unfriendly nations in the West or in the East,” Putin suggested darker forces are conspiring against Moscow. “Again, a true war has been unleashed against our motherland.” “Today, civilization again is at a breaking point,” Putin said. Flanked by surviving veterans of what Russia still calls the Great Patriotic War, the Russian president cast himself as savior and defender of an embattled Russia targeted by the “globalist elites” of the West. In a speech before the assembled troops, Putin drew a direct line between his invasion of Ukraine and the sacrifices of World War II. He succeeded only in underscoring his geopolitical isolation. For Russian President Vladimir Putin, this year’s Victory Day parade in Red Square was a chance to continue his war on history.

Visiting russian victory day parade