Russian President Vladimir Putin presided over the largest military parade since the end of World War II as Moscow commemorated the anniversary of the end of the war in Europe. No western leaders were present on the reviewing stand due to the Russian annexation of Crimea and their continuing support for rebels in Ukraine. Putin also had some choice words for the US: "In recent decades the basic principles of international cooperation have been ignored ever more frequently. We see how a military-bloc mentality is gaining momentum," said Putin. While Putin thanked "the people of Great Britain, France and the United States for their contribution to victory" in World War II he said the West has tried to minimize Russia's contribution to the war effort, contending that nations like the U.S. have tried to "rewrite history" regarding World War II. Putin said World War II demonstrated the strengths of international cooperation but, likely in...(Read Full Post)