Russian President Vladimir Putin, leaders of countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and a large crowds of veterans and Russians watched the parade from the stage on Red Square.
More than 100 items of military hardware and military personnel participated in the ceremony. The traditional air show was canceled this year.
Speaking at the ceremony, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated the Russian people on Victory Day. He said, "For us in Russia, the memory of the defenders of the motherland is sacred. We keep it in our hearts."
The Russian leader led a minute of silence in memory of the Soviet soldiers who fell during the war.
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| Russian President V. Putin delivers his speech during the Victory Day military parade. (Photo: THANH THE) |
"For Russia, there are no unfriendly, hostile peoples either in the West or in the East. Like the vast majority of people on the planet, we want to see a future of peace, freedom and stability," Putin stressed.
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| Russian military equipment seen during a military parade on Red Square. (Photo: THANH THE) |
After the parade, Putin and the foreign leaders laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Alexander Garden outside the Kremlin walls.
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| Russian President V.Putin with CIS leaders. (Photo: THANH THE) |
On the evening of May 9, people in many cities in Russia admired the brilliant fireworks display.
