It is in connection with the anniversary of Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 that Vladimir Putin gave his speech in front of tens of thousands of flag-waving spectators.
The anniversary has been celebrated before, but the day takes on an extra symbolic significance now that the war in Ukraine has escalated, says Bert Sundström.
- The feeling in Russia is that a massive patriotic display is needed.
A kind of proof that Russia is strong and stands united in these difficult times, he says.
See three parts of the speech and hear Bert Sundström's comments about them in the clip.