Putin tells WWII event West is waging a ‘real war’ on Russia
By The Associated Press
President Vladimir Putin has declared that the West has unleashed “a real war” against Russia. The Russian leader reprised the familiar refrain at scaled-down Victory Day celebrations that may reflect the toll the Ukraine conflict is taking on his forces. Putin’s remarks Tuesday came just hours after Moscow fired its latest barrage of cruise missiles at targets in Ukraine. Russia invaded its neighbor more than 14 months ago. Ukrainian authorities said air defenses destroyed 23 of 25 missiles launched.