"We will always remember the feat of the Soviet people. That it was they who made the decisive contribution to the defeat of Nazism, saved their country, and saved the world. They put an end to total, merciless evil. They restored sovereignty to those states that had capitulated to Nazi Germany and become obedient accomplices in its crimes," Putin said.
"Our soldiers endured colossal losses, colossal sacrifices, for the sake of the freedom and dignity of the peoples of Europe. They became the embodiment of courage and nobility, resilience and humanity, and crowned themselves with the great glory of a monumental victory," he said.
On Special Military Operation Soldiers
"Despite this, our heroes are moving forward," he emphasized.
"Alongside the Russian soldiers are workers and designers, engineers, scientists, inventors. They continue the traditions of their predecessors, relying on modern combat experience to create advanced, unique weapons, and launch their mass production," Putin said during his address at the Victory Day parade.
On Russia's Future
"No matter how the equipment and methods of combat change, the main thing remains unchanged - the fate of the country is decided by people: soldiers and factory workers, agricultural workers, gunsmiths and war correspondents, doctors and teachers, cultural figures and clergy, volunteers, entrepreneurs, philanthropists - all citizens of Russia," Putin said.