Russia’s strategic nuclear forces are always ready

In a speech in Red Square to mark the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II, Russia’s president praised soldiers fighting in Ukraine and vowed to stand firm in the face of Western attempts to isolate Russia.

“We reject the exceptionalist claims of any state or alliance – we know what comes when these ambitions go uncheckedPutin said Thursday, in an apparent reference to NATO, which expanded to include Sweden and Finland after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Financial Times reports.

“Russia will do everything to prevent a global conflict, but at the same time we will not let anyone threaten us. Our strategic forces are always ready for battlePutin added, referring to Russia’s arsenal of nuclear weapons, the largest in the world.

The parade culminated with three RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile launchers, which Russia claims can hit any target on the globe.

The parade in Moscow, held in unusual snow for this season, highlighted the losses suffered by Russia’s armed forces.

The only tank present at the parade was the T-34the legendary Soviet armored vehicle from World War II, which traditionally opens the parade.

Russia lost more than 3,000 tanks during the war, according to a February report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

In separate remarks to commanders fighting in Ukraine, which the Kremlin said were made a day earlier, he said Russia’s entire economic and social development depended on the success of the Ukraine operation.

“We have all the possibilities to achieve these goals. But only on one condition – your activity on the battlefield. This is the key link at the moment,” Putin said.