The Kremlin leader has said Russia’s military action in Ukraine is a timely and necessary response to Western policies.
Addressing the nation, he said the invasion of Ukraine - what he called a "special military operation" - was necessary and had been provoked by the West.
He called Nato "an obvious threat" to Russia and said the Russian military operation had been necessary and the "right decision" and finished his speech to cheers from soldiers in Red Square, cannon fire and the Russian national anthem.
13. Russian President Vladimir Putin watches the Victory Day military parade at Red Square in central Moscow on May 9, 2022
Russian President Vladimir Putin sought to justify his invasion, by claiming that it was necessary to ward off what he described “an absolutely unacceptable threat just next to our borders”. Photo by Mikhail Metzel Photo: MIKHAIL METZEL
14. Russian President Vladimir Putin watches the Victory Day military parade at Red Square in central Moscow on May 9, 2022. - Russia celebrates the 77th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany during World War II. (Photo by Mikhail METZEL / SPUTNIK / AFP) (Photo by MIKHAIL METZEL/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly alleged that Ukraine was planning to attack Russia – which Kyiv has flatly denied. Photo by Mikhail Metzel Photo: MIKHAIL METZEL