Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday warned against another world war.

Mr Putin gave the warning during a military parade marking the anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

“Besides commemorating those who had defeated Nazism, it was important to stay vigilant and to do everything possible to ensure that the horrors of global war are not repeated,” he said.

Mr Putin said fighting for Russia’s security was taking place today in the Donbas in eastern Ukraine. He cited NATO’s activities in the country as justification for invading Ukraine.

The president said Russia has preemptively repelled the aggression which was the only right decision, adding that Moscow had repeatedly tried to reach an agreement for an international security solution.

He said NATO had ignored Russia’s arguments and started to open up Ukrainian territory militarily. However, there is no evidence for Mr Putin’s repeated claim of an imminent Ukrainian attack on Russia.

In the past, NATO has participated in military exercises in Ukraine and trained Ukrainian soldiers.

(Xinhua/NAN)