Putin invokes past victories in call to prevent new wars Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) talks to Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev (R) and Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov at the Victory Day parade to on the Red Square in Moscow, on May 9, 2012. Today Russia celebrates the 67th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany. MOSCOW, May 9 (UPI) -- Russia will do all it can to prevent new wars, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday in a speech honoring soldiers who fought in the country's past conflicts. During Russia's annual Victory Day parade, Putin said "we remember only too well what the tragedy of the war means and we'll do everything in our power to cut short anyone's desire to unleash a new war at any time or to threaten our children, our homes, and our land," ITAR-Tass reported. "Let's always remember it was Russia, or the Soviet Union, that frustrated the Nazis' carnivorous plans," the president said, addressing a crowd at Red Square. "Our ancestors mastered the science of winning and these traditions serve as an example for the young generations to follow, and the latter have proved more than once they can defend Russia's sovereignty and interests," he added.