Russia’s Victory Day celebrations in Moscow’s Red Square are like something from North Korea, according to a Government minister of state.
The spectacle marking the 77th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany in 1945 saw the Kremlin displaying its military strength to its own people.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin used his speech to justify the ongoing war in Ukraine – by claiming that the west was preparing an ‘invasion of our historical lands’ – including the Donbas region of Ukraine and the Crimea, which was annexed by Moscow in 2014.
He said NATO delivery of weapons to Ukraine has created an “absolutely unacceptable threat” to Russia directly on its borders.
Attempting to link the invasion to the Soviet Union’s defeat of the Nazis, he told gathered troops: “You are fighting for the Motherland, for its future, so that no one forgets the lessons of the Second World War.”
Some 11,0000 troops and 130 military vehicles were involved in the Red Square memorial, which also saw huge missiles towed through the streets with warplanes flying overhead.
On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Minister of State Jack Chambers described it as reminiscent of North Korea.
“Watching the clips on Twitter, they remind of something similar to North Korea,” he said.
“Shocking words coming from Putin. The propaganda considering what he is inflicting on the Ukrainian people every day.
“The bombing and displacement of people is absolutely shocking but also the misinformation to ordinary Russian people and how he is manipulating the news cycle constantly in Russia.
“Just really to see that authoritarian picture in Russia this morning is desperate.
“Again, having that collective global response to Russia and showing outrage and isolating Putin is key and we have seen great solidarity over the last number of weeks.
President Putin used the speech to double down on his claims that Russia is somehow continuing the fight against ‘Naziism’ by invading Ukraine.
He finished his speech with the words: “Glory to our glorious armed forces. For Russia, For victory, Hoorah.”
He did not take the opportunity to officially declare war or further mobilise the Russian military.
Additional reporting from IRN.
