Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke in front of more than ten thousand troops at a massive military parade. He defended his country's invasion of Ukraine.

Putin said, "We saw hundreds of foreign military advisors getting involved and NATO countries regularly providing the most up-to-date weapons. That was increasing the threat day by day. Russia reacted preemptively against the aggression. It was a necessary and timely decision. For Russia! For victory!"

Putin spoke at a Victory Day ceremony to commemorate the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during World War Two.

There had been speculation that he would declare his country was at war, but he did not.

Moscow has continued to call its invasion of Ukraine a "special military operation."

Putin claimed various security proposals he made to NATO countries in December were rejected.

Instead, he said NATO was preparing what he called a "punitive operation" in the Donbas region. He said that posed an unacceptable threat to Russia along its border.

Putin insisted a clash with what he called "Neo Nazis" was unavoidable. He blamed the United States and its allies for instigating the conflict.

Before Putin spoke, Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy released a rallying cry of his own. He said his people are fighting for a new victory.

Zelenskyy said he does not doubt that Ukraine will win. He said no occupier can take root in what he called "our free land".