President of Russia and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin attended the military parade marking the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945.
The Kremlin Website Presents the Russian President’s Speech at the Victory Parade on Red Square:
Citizens of Russia,
Dear veterans,
Comrade soldiers and sailors, sergeants and sergeant majors, midshipmen and warrant officers,
Comrade officers, generals and admirals,
Soldiers and commanders participating in the special military operation, guests,
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I congratulate you on Victory Day, our sacred, inspiring and most important holiday!
As we celebrate it, we feel pride and love for our country, we understand our common duty to protect the interests and the future of our Motherland, and we are sincerely thankful to the great generation of victors.
We honour the legacy and enduring values of the soldiers of Victory. Devotion to our Fatherland unites our entire country, all the people of Russia, and preserving the memory of the Great Patriotic War, its true history and its real heroes is a matter of honour for us.
We will always remember the heroism of the Soviet people and the fact that it was their decisive contribution that made the defeat of Nazism possible. They saved their country and the entire world, put an end to total and merciless evil, and restored sovereignty to the nations that had capitulated to Nazi Germany and become obedient accomplices to its crimes.
Our soldiers suffered colossal losses and made enormous sacrifices in the name of the freedom and dignity of the peoples of Europe. They became the embodiment of courage and nobility, fortitude and humanity, and crowned themselves with the great glory of a monumental Victory.
Friends,
June 22, 1941 is one of the most tragic and mournful dates in our history. This year marks 85 years since the beginning of the Great Patriotic War.
The Nazis treacherously attacked the Soviet Union, planning to seize the country and its vast resources, to completely destroy its culture and historical heritage, and ultimately to annihilate, enslave and commit genocide against the entire multinational Soviet people – all the peoples, nations and ethnic groups of the Soviet Union.
To achieve these criminal aims, forces were assembled from across Europe. Nazi strategists seemed to have meticulously accounted for everything. Everything, except for one thing – what is known as the Russian character and the strength of spirit of the Soviet people.
These qualities are most clearly revealed during the hardest times for our Fatherland. Our people stood against the enemy like a wall and proved that devotion to the Motherland is the highest moral truth, capable of uniting millions of people.
We remember the unparalleled resilience of soldiers, sailors and officers, the selfless dedication of members of the people’s militia, partisans and underground resistance fighters, and the immense efforts of the home front, science, industry and agricultural workers.
The front and the rear were united. Genuine patriotism, courage and self-sacrifice of the people elevated them above the enemy, gave them strength, and reinforced their faith in Victory. It was hard-won, deeply suffered for, and ultimately achieved!
All of this lives on in family histories, in the hearts of our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In the memory of each and every one of us.
We bow our heads before those who fell in battle. Before those who were tortured under occupation and in captivity, who died of hunger in besieged Leningrad, in other encircled cities and towns. Before all those who gave their lives for the Motherland, for Russia. We bow our heads in memory of sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, relatives and friends.
I declare a minute of silence. (Minute of silence.)
Dear friends,
The great feat of the victorious generation inspires the soldiers carrying out the tasks of the special military operation today. They are confronting an aggressive force armed and supported by the entire NATO bloc. Despite this, our heroes are advancing.
Alongside Russian soldiers are workers, designers, engineers, scientists and inventors. They continue the traditions of their predecessors, and drawing on modern combat experience, create advanced and unique models of weapons, and launch their mass production.
But no matter how the equipment and methods of warfare change, one thing remains unchanged: the fate of the country is determined by its people – soldiers and factory workers, agricultural labourers, weapons designers and war correspondents, doctors and teachers, cultural figures and clergy, volunteers, entrepreneurs and philanthropists. All citizens of Russia.
The key to success is our moral strength, courage and valour, our unity and ability to withstand everything and overcome all challenges.
We have a common goal. Everyone makes a personal contribution to Victory. It is forged both on the battlefield and in the rear.
I firmly believe that our cause is just! We are together! Victory has always been and will always be ours!
Glory to the victorious people! Glory to the veterans! Glory to the Armed Forces of Russia! Happy holiday to you! Happy Victory Day! Hooray!