Russia-Ukraine war: Putin says 'Victory will be ours' ahead of Victory Day celebrations

As Victory Day, which falls on May 9, is just around corner, Russian President Vlimir Putin promised that "as in 1945, victory will be ours" and expressed his gratitude to former Soviet republics. He stated that today, ir soldiers just like ir forefars, are fighting side by side to rescue ir native land from Nazis. He furr said that y are confident that victory will be irs, just as it was in 1945. Russia's attack on Ukraine, which began on February 24, has been characterized by Putin as a "special operation" to "demilitarize" and "de-nazify" its neighbour. Putin refers to his opponent in Ukraine as "Nazis."

Putin furr stated that it is ir collective obligation to prevent resurgence of Nazism, which caused so much sorrow to people in various nations. He also referred to civilians who defeated Nazism at  expense of numerous sacrifices during World War II. He continued by stating that unfortunately, Nazism is rearing its he once more, and claimed that fascism has taken hold in Ukraine, posing a threat to Russia and Russian-speaking population in country's east in Donbass region. Moscow desires to liberate Donbass region, according to media reports.

Putin wishes for peace and justice for all Ukrainians

Russian President also stated that ir responsibility is to hold back ideological heirs of those who were defeated in World War II, which Moscow refers to as " great patriotic war."

He also expressed his wish for peace and justice for all Ukrainians. A massive military pare will be held in Moscow on Monday to celebrate Victory Day, marking Germany's unconditional surrender in WW II.  Russian government claims that its "special military operation" in Ukraine is going as planned.

Putin believes he cant afford to lose: CIA director

Meanwhile, CIA Director William Burns stated that Russian President Vlimir Putin believes he cant afford to lose war in Ukraine and is "doubling down" on conflict. He furr stated that despite Russia having struggled to progress in Donbass region, Putin has t changed his mind and his objectives remain same.

CIA director also stated that Putin will try to rally Russians by combining previous Soviet greatness and sacrifices with a current appeal to fight a "neo-Nazi" regime in Ukraine.

(Im: AP)