Putin says Russian offensive in Ukraine ‘response to Western policies’

Vladimir Putin said the campaign in Ukraine was a timely and necessary move to ward off potential aggression

A parade marking Victory Day in Moscow on Monday. Picture: PA

Russian president Vladimir Putin has described Moscow’s military action in Ukraine as a forced response to Western policies.

Speaking at a military parade marking the former Soviet Union’s Second World War victory over the Nazis, Mr Putin drew parallels between the Red Army’s fighting against Nazi troops and the Russian forces’ action in Ukraine.