Russia's military action in Ukraine a 'timely and necessary response' to West: Vladimir Putin

Russian President  Vladimir Putin also likened his country's action in Ukraine to the Soviet fighting in World War II, according to international media reports. 

MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday said that Moscow's military action in Ukraine is "a timely and necessary response'' to the Western policies. President Putin also likened his country's action in Ukraine to the Soviet fighting in World War II, according to international media reports. 

Putin also vowed that "as in 1945, victory will be ours" as he congratulated former Soviet nations on the 77th anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat in World War II.

"Today, our soldiers, as their ancestors, are fighting side by side to liberate their native land from the Nazi filth with the confidence that, as in 1945, victory will be ours," said Putin, who sent Russian troops into Ukraine in February.

"Today, it is our common duty to prevent the rebirth of Nazism which caused so much suffering to the peoples of different countries," said Putin. He added he hoped "new generations may be worthy of the memory of their fathers and grandfathers".

Putin also made multiple references not just to soldiers but also to civilians on the "home front... who smashed Nazism at the cost of countless sacrifices". President Vladimir Putin made these remarks as he presided over a parade of troops, tanks, rockets and intercontinental ballistic missiles on Moscow`s Red Square, and made a speech.