Putin has used nuclear rhetoric throughout the conflict but has grown increasingly belligerent since last year, pulling out of a nuclear test ban treaty and a key arms reduction agreement with the United States.
Earlier this week, he ordered the Russian military to hold nuclear drills involving the navy and troops based near Ukraine, raising fears he could use the powerful weapons on the battlefield.
In comments recorded on Tuesday but released by the Kremlin after the parade, Putin vowed to modernise his army’s weaponry and said Russia would use whatever foreign parts it could get to make them.
“Modern military technology is changing very fast. If we want to be successful, we always have to be one step ahead,” he said in a meeting with army commanders.
“RUSSIA IS WITH YOU”
Putin has repeatedly framed the current fight against Ukraine as an existential battle against “Nazism”, a message he reiterated in his address Thursday.
“We bow our heads before the memory of civilians killed by barbaric shelling and terrorist attacks by neo-Nazis,” he said.
“Those on the front line, on the line of contact – are our heroes. We bow before your steadfastness and self-sacrifice, selflessness. All Russia is with you,” he continued.
