Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his speech at the military parade marking the victory over Nazi Germany that he is confident the Russian people "can withstand anything and overcome any challenge." The parade lasted only about 45 minutes, while in previous years it extended for a longer period of time. For the first time since 2007, the parade was held without military equipment, with Russia's Defense Ministry attributing this step to "the current situation on the Ukrainian front." Putin also said in his speech, which lasted 8.5 minutes, that "Russian army soldiers in Ukraine are confronting an aggressive force armed and supported by all NATO countries."