Putin says arrogant West risking global conflict

MOSCOW, May 9: Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the "arrogant" West of risking a global conflict, warning the nuclear powers "strategic forces" are combat-ready, as he marked the Soviet victory over Germany in World War II.

In a defiant speech on Thursday at Moscows Red Square before thousands of soldiers dressed in ceremonial attire, Putin said that Western elites had forgotten the Soviet Unions role in defeating Nazism and were now stoking conflict around the world.

"We know what the exorbitance of such ambitions leads to. Russia will do everything to prevent a global clash," he said. "But at the same time, we will not allow anyone to threaten us. Our strategic forces are always in a state of combat           readiness."
Victory Day has become Russias most important public holiday as Putin puts the country firmly on a combat footing. Evoking the second world war, the president has repeatedly framed Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022 as an existential battle against Nazism.

This years address to the nation came as his troops make advances in Ukraine and just after he took the oath for an unprecedented fifth term after winning presidential elections devoid of all opposition. At a lavish inauguration held two days earlier, he promised to deliver "victory" to Russians.    —AL JAZEERA