Putin defends Russia's Ukraine war as 'just cause' at scaled-down Moscow parade

Vladimir Putin on May 9 characterized Russia's military operations in Ukraine as a struggle for a "just cause" during Moscow's scaled-down Victory Day parade, according to CBS News. The annual commemoration, which traditionally marks Soviet victory in World War II, proceeded under tight security restrictions. Putin's remarks represent a continued effort to frame the nearly three-year conflict as a defensive necessity rather than an invasion. The parade's reduced scale reflects ongoing security concerns amid Russia's military campaign in Ukraine. Victory Day parades typically draw large crowds in Russian cities and serve as significant state occasions for political messaging. Putin's comments underscore Moscow's strategy of appealing to historical narratives and patriotic sentiment to maintain domestic support for the conflict. The parade's heightened security reflects Russian authorities' awareness of potential vulnerabilities during large public gatherings amid the ongoing war.