Vladimir Putin declared that 'victory has always been and always will be ours' during the annual Victory Day parade in Moscow on Saturday, as what appeared to be Russia's nuclear briefcase was seen carried by security just yards away. The Cheget briefcase, named after a mountain in the Caucasus, is traditionally handled by a naval officer and was spotted among bodyguards also carrying black bags believed to be fold-out bulletproof shields.
The parade, marking the 81st anniversary of the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany in the Second World War, was held without military hardware due to the 'current operational situation', according to the Russian Defence Ministry. However, thousands of troops took part, including soldiers from North Korea for the first time—a gesture seen as a tribute to Pyongyang, which has sent an estimated 14,000 troops to fight alongside Russian forces in Kursk.
In his speech, Putin hailed Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, saying they 'face an aggressive force that is armed and supported by the entire bloc of NATO'. He added: 'The key to success is our moral strength, courage and valour, our unity and ability to endure anything and overcome any challenge.' The Kremlin denied claims of a potential coup, instead stating that security around Putin had been tightened in case of a Ukrainian attack.
Russian authorities threatened a 'massive missile strike on the centre of Kyiv' if Ukraine attempted to disrupt the festivities. The EU said its diplomats would not leave the Ukrainian capital despite the warnings. Meanwhile, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reaffirmed his country's commitment to the mutual defence treaty with Russia in a message to Putin.
