Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday, 9 May 2025, declared that Russian soldiers are currently confronting an "aggressive force" armed and supported by all of NATO in Ukraine. The remarks came during the annual Victory Day parade on Red Square in Moscow, marking the 81st anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Putin's Victory Day Address

Speaking before assembled troops and dignitaries, Putin drew a direct line between the Soviet generation's wartime sacrifice and Russia's ongoing military campaign in Ukraine, which Moscow refers to as a "special military operation".

"The great feat of the victorious generation inspires the soldiers carrying out special military operations today. They are confronting an aggressive force armed and supported by the entire NATO bloc. And yet, our heroes continue to move forward," Putin said in his address.

He closed his speech on a triumphant note: "I firmly believe that our cause is just, we are together, victory has always been and always will be ours! Glory to the victorious people! Glory to the veterans! Glory to the Russian Armed Forces! Happy holiday to you! Happy Victory Day! Hooray!"

Ceasefire Extension Not Yet Discussed, Says Kremlin

Separately, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Saturday that extending the ceasefire in Ukraine beyond 11 May had not yet been discussed. He was responding to reporters at a regular Kremlin media briefing about US President Donald Trump's statement that extending the ceasefire would be desirable.

Peskov also addressed remarks by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had indicated Washington's willingness to mediate in Russian-Ukrainian negotiations only if there is tangible progress. "It's clear that the American side is in a hurry, but the issue of a Ukrainian settlement is too complex. And reaching an agreement, a peace agreement, is a very long road with complex details," Peskov was quoted as saying.

Lukashenko Attends Parade in Moscow

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who attended the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, told journalists after the parade that no external party could disrupt the proceedings. "As current times, minutes, and moments have shown, no one can interfere with the celebration of this great Victory. This treasure of ours cannot be lost," he said on Red Square.

Broader Context

Putin's framing of the Ukraine conflict as a confrontation with NATO — rather than Ukraine alone — represents a consistent rhetorical posture Moscow has maintained since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. This year's Victory Day parade took on added significance amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, with the Trump administration reportedly pushing for a ceasefire framework. The parade itself proceeded without major incident, despite earlier Ukrainian warnings of potential disruptions. How the ceasefire talks evolve beyond 11 May will be closely watched by both Western capitals and Kyiv.