Russia celebrated the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in 1945. with a traditional military parade, but this time the weapons on display included drones used in the war in Ukraine, and President Vladimir Putin drew a parallel between the two conflicts, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
It was the fourth annual parade featuring thousands of soldiers and heavy military equipment on Red Square since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Security measures were even tighter than usual due to threats from Ukraine not to comply with a unilateral ceasefire announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
During his speech, Putin likened the war in Ukraine to the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany 80 years ago.
"Russia remains an insurmountable obstacle to Nazism, Russophobia and anti-Semitism and will fight the atrocities committed by supporters of these aggressive destructive ideas," Putin said.
Truth and justice are on Russia's side, he said, adding that all of Moscow supports the fighters in the "special military operation" - the Kremlin's term for its invasion of the neighboring country.
Putin stressed that Soviet soldiers played a decisive role in the defeat of the Nazi regime. However, he acknowledged that the opening of a second front in Europe had accelerated the Allied victory.
He also highlighted China's contribution to the war (Chinese President Xi Jinping was among the international leaders attending the event).
This year's parade in Moscow was unique in that Russia for the first time displayed drones used in the war in Ukraine.
Several trucks carrying Orlan reconnaissance drones, as well as Iranian-made Lancet and Geran combat drones, passed through Red Square during the televised parade.
After the parade, Putin saluted North Korean soldiers who had fought on Russia's side against Ukraine. He wished all the fighters good health, he said in a conversation with the generals sent by Pyongyang.