Victory Day parade: Putin leads scaled-back event as war in Ukraine comes under mounting pressure
CNNMay 04, 2023
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."
The Spin
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.
Nerd narrative
There's a 7% chance that there will be more than four deaths between Russia and NATO forces outside of Ukraine before July 1, 2023, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
