'Real War' Unleashed on Russia, Putin Says in Victory Day Address

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Vladimir Putin
Image copyright: AP Photos [via AP News]

The Facts

  • Marking the 1945 defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II in Russia's annual Victory Day parade, Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin on Tuesday attempted to evoke the conflict in connection to the war in Ukraine, telling his nation that "a real war" has been unleashed against Russia by the West's "untamed ambitions."

  • Speaking from Moscow's Red Square, Putin said: "Today, civilization is once again at a decisive turning point. A real war has been unleashed against our motherland."

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The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

Putin's Victory Day speech saw him continue to falsely claim that Russia is somehow the victim of this war in Ukraine, rather than its initiator. This weak address was a careful attempt to rally support at home for a failing invasion.

CNN

Pro-Russia narrative

Ever since the 2014 Western-backed coup in Ukraine, Western countries have mercilessly proceeded with arrogant and exorbitant plans to bring down Russia by militarizing Kyiv. This strategic aggression is the real cause of the tragic events currently taking place in Ukraine, which are forcing Russia into a defensive position.

TASS

Metaculus Prediction

Public figures in this story

Vladimir Putin

Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO

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