Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday drew parallels between the Red Army’s fight during World War II against the Nazi troops and the battle in Ukraine.

Speaking at a military parade to mark the World War II victory over Nazis, Putin said the campaign in Ukraine was a timely and necessary move to ward off potential aggression.

During an address on the 77th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany, Putin condemned what he called external threats to weaken and split Russia. He reiterated that NATO was creating threats for Russia right next to its borders.

He addressed the soldiers fighting in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region, saying, “You are fighting for the Motherland, for its future, so that no one forgets the lessons of World War Two. So that there is no place in the world for executioners, punishers and Nazis.”

Putin promised that the death of each of the Russian soldiers and officers was a shared grief and an irreparable loss. He assured that the state would look after their children and families.

The Russian leader did not mention Ukraine by name, gave no war assessment and offered no indication of how long the invasion might continue.

(With inputs from AP)

READ | Nearly 60 feared dead after Russia bombs Ukraine school

ALSO READ | In surprise visit to war-torn Ukraine, Jill Biden meets first lady