What Vladimir Putin did not say in his 11-minute Victory Day speech

Russian President Vladimir Putin followed tradition and delivered a public address from Moscow’s Red Square. While the 11-minute speech brought up matters like national security and “denazifying” the world, there were many things missing.

Contrary to expectations, Putin did not mention “Ukraine” even once in his speech on Monday afternoon. The Russian President, however, did mention various Ukrainian cities in his speech. These included Donbas and Kyiv.

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One crucial omission from Putin’s speech was Mariupol. The port city was taken over by Russian forces on April 21 and has been one of the biggest leaps Moscow has made since the “special operation” began on February 24.

The Russian President was also expected to outline his plans for the ongoing conflict, giving a clearer idea of what the country expects at the end of it. Putin also scrubbed that from his 11-minute speech.

Multiple media reports had earlier suggested that Putin may declare an all-out war against Ukraine and move on from his “special operation” stance. That did not happen.

Instead, Putin used his time to speak about “denazifying” Europe. Speaking to his armed forces currently in Ukraine, Putin said, “You are fighting for the Motherland, for its future, so that no one forgets the lessons of the Second World War. So that there is no place in the world for executioners, punishers and Nazis.”

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Part of the Russian President’s speech was dedicated to just motivating his forces. He said, “We are a different country. Russia has a different character. We will never give up love for the Motherland, faith and traditional values, the customs of our ancestors, respect for all peoples and cultures.”

Putin also included a one-minute silence in his speech for those who had fallen in the ongoing conflict. He also vowed that the state would look after the families of those who lose their lives in service.