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With his armies grinding forward in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday marked Victory Day, the World War II commemoration that is Russia’s most significant holiday, with an unusually harsh speech, accusing the West of “hypocrisy and lies” and inciting global conflicts.
Shamil Zhumatov/Reuters
May 9 | Moscow
Russian military vehicles, including Yars intercontinental ballistic missile system units, drive along a road before a military parade on Victory Day.
Shamil Zhumatov/Reuters
Shamil Zhumatov/Reuters
Appearing confident and confrontational at the ceremony on Red Square, two days after his inauguration for a fifth term as president, Putin accused Russia’s former allies against Nazi Germany of distorting the truth about World War II.
Shamil Zhumatov/Reuters
May 9 | Moscow
Russian servicemen take part in the Victory Day military parade on the Red Square.
Maxim Shipenkov/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Maxim Shipenkov/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
After his speech, the traditional parade showcased Russia’s military prowess, including the Yars and Iskander-M nuclear-capable missile systems.
Maxim Shipenkov/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
May 9 | Moscow
Russian Iskander-M missile launchers drive along Red Square during a military parade.
Evgenia Novozhenina/Reuters
Evgenia Novozhenina/Reuters
May 9 | Moscow
Russian Sukhoi Su-25 fighter jets release smoke in the colors of the Russian flag as they fly over Moscow during the Victory Day military parade.
Alexander Nemenov/AFP/Getty Images
Alexander Nemenov/AFP/Getty Images
May 9 | Vladivostok, Russia
A girl stands behind a barrier during a parade.
Tatiana Meel/Reuters
Tatiana Meel/Reuters
May 9 | Moscow
Russian service members march in columns before a military parade.
Shamil Zhumatov/Reuters
Shamil Zhumatov/Reuters
May 9 | Moscow
A pedestrian takes video of Russian service members marching toward Red Square before a military parade.
Shamil Zhumatov/Reuters
Shamil Zhumatov/Reuters
May 9 | Moscow
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a military parade.
Sputnik/Mikhail Klimentyev/Kremlin
Sputnik/Mikhail Klimentyev/Kremlin
May 9 | Moscow
Russian servicemen, involved in the country's military action in Ukraine, march on Red Square during the Victory Day military parade.
Alexander Nemenov/AFP/Getty Images
Alexander Nemenov/AFP/Getty Images
May 9 | Moscow
A Soviet-era T-34 tank with a red flag atop is part of the parade.
Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP
Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP
May 9 | Moscow
Russian servicemen march during the military parade.
Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP
Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP
May 9 | Moscow
Russian Sukhoi Su-25 close air support jets fly over the Red Square during a military parade.
Sergei Ilnitsky/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Sergei Ilnitsky/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
May 9 | Moscow
A Russian Yars intercontinental ballistic missile launcher is part of the parade.
Maxim Shipenkov/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Maxim Shipenkov/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
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Credits
Photo editing and production by Morgan Coates; Text by Robyn Dixon