May 9, Monday, 2022 (1:30 p.m.) Newsline

1.Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke in front of more than ten thousand troops at a massive military parade. He defended his country’s invasion of Ukraine. Putin said, “We saw hundreds of foreign military advisors getting involved and NATO countries regularly providing the most up-to-date weapons. That was increasing the threat day by day. Russia reacted preemptively against the aggression. It was necessary and timely decision. For Russia! For victory!”
2.In Ukraine, hostilities show no signs of letting up as Russia prepares to mark the May 9 victory of the former Soviet Union over Nazi Germany. Fighting in eastern Ukraine has been especially intense. Russian forces reportedly carried out an airstrike on a school in the Luhansk region where civilians were sheltering. The regional governor said the airstrike claimed at least two lives, and left about 60 people trapped in the rubble.
3.German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says his country will continue to provide military support to Ukraine “to defense justice and freedom.” He made the remark in a televised speech Sunday on the 77th anniversary of the end of World War Two in Europe. Scholz expressed remorse for Germany’s past, noting the Germans had perpetrated a “crime against humanity.”