Russian President Vladimir Putin said that its strategic nuclear forces are always on alert and that it will not tolerate any threats during his annual Victory Day speech on Thursday.
“Russia will do everything to prevent a global clash. But at the same time we will not allow anyone to threaten us,” Putin told the crowds gathered on Red Square.
Putin added that “our strategic forces are always in a state of combat readiness”, referring to the country’s nuclear capabilities.
Putin hopes the parade, which marks the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, will rally patriotism amid Russian advances in Ukraine.
The Russian president has repeatedly framed the invasion and fighting in Ukraine as an existential battle against “Nazism”.
Since the invasion, Putin has used his speech to praise his troops and veterans, as well as display Russia’s military supplies to the world.
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