Putin vows to defend ‘Russian interests’ on WWII Victory Day

President Vladimir Putin says his country will “firmly” defend Russia’s national interests, denouncing the return of “Russophobia” and warning of a revival of Nazism. Putin’s speech on Sunday came at the start of an annual parade that sees military hardware roll through the streets of Moscow. More than 12,000 military personnel took part in the march, as well as some 190 pieces of military equipment and 76 fighter jets and helicopters. The parade marked the 76th anniversary of victory in World War II over Nazi Germany.