LONDON: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak brushedoff Russian President Vladimir Putin's Victory Day parade remarks,after the Russian president claimed that "a real war" has been unleashed against Russia by the West's "untamed ambitions".
Putin's remarks in Moscow's Red Square saw the Russian leader claim that "civilisation is once again at a decisive turning point".
Speaking at the capital's annual commemorations celebrating the defeat of Nazi Germany in the Second World War, he said: "A real war has been unleashed against our Motherland."
The prime minister rejected such claims, as he said that the Russian leader was the only person to blame for the war.
In his speech, Putin insisted that the West's "untamed ambitions,arrogance and impunity" are to blame for the conflict.
He welcomed soldiers fighting in Ukraine who were present at the parade, and concluded his speech: "To Russia! To our brave armed forces! To victory!"
Earlier, Russia unleashed a barrage of cruise missiles on Ukraine,hours before the start of the Moscow parade, which this year is taking place amid tight security measures.
The Kremlin's forces launched 25 missiles overnight in a wave of attacks across Ukraine, the Ukrainian air force said, adding that air defences had successfully destroyed 23 of them.
Speaking to broadcasters in Southampton, Sunak said: "There is onlyone person who is responsible for the illegal and unprovoked war on Ukraine, and that is President Putin. The crimes that are being committed are appalling.
"The suffering that is being inflicted on the Ukrainian people is appalling.
"That is why it is right that we remain steadfast in supporting the people of Ukraine to stand up to that aggression. That's what I and the United Kingdom will continue to do." — dpa
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