PUTIN has hosted a massive military parade in front of dozens of world leaders to mark Victory Day on the 80th anniversary of the defeat of the Nazis.
Guests of honour include China’s President Xi Jinping at what Russia promised would be the “biggest ever” show of pomp and military might.
ReutersRussia’s military battalions were out in force[/caption]
EPAFlag-bearing troops lead the procession[/caption]
APPutin took to the mic to deliver a rallying cry[/caption]
APPutin in his element amongst world leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping[/caption]
As the parade kicked off this morning, a string of foreign leaders were seen arriving at the Kremlin, some greeted by Putin.
Putin then took the mic to claim that “Peace and justice are on our side,” and that the “whole of Russia” backs his war in Ukraine.
He said: “The whole country, society and people support the participants of the special military operation.
“We are proud of their bravery and determination, of the fortitude that has always brought us only victory.”
He paid tribute to the sacrifice of the allied forces and the “courageous people of China”, and led the parade in observing a minute’s silence.
Putin’s monologue was followed by a volley of cannon fire and a well-oiled military procession.
Hundreds of soldiers clutching rifles and flags marched in perfect unison across the square.
The main event is a decadent military parade in Red Square, right next to the Kremlin, which is designed to rally patriotism and support for the war.
The event – celebrating the defeat of Nazism in WW2 – is a key part of Russia’s national identity.
The arrival of so many heads of state, including Brazil’s Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, is a major PR coup for Moscow, and a chance to show the West that its efforts to isolate Russia have failed.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will also attend despite warnings from Brussels – the only leader from the European Union taking part.
A three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine began on Wednesday.
But Ukraine has dismissed the truce as a farce and slammed today’s events a “parade of cynicism”.
It also warned that it cannot guarantee the safety of world leaders attending.
ReutersRussia’s Defence Minister oversees the military parade on Victory Day[/caption]
APPutin and Xi Jinping having a natter before the parade[/caption]
EPAHundreds of troops lined up for the show of strength[/caption]
The day before the parade, Xi and Putin met in the Kremlin, where the two held talks for more than three hours.
After their meeting, Putin addressed the Chinese leader as his “dear friend”, while the two issued messages of defiance towards the West.
The Soviet Union lost a staggering 27 million people in what it calls the Great Patriotic War in 1941-45, an enormous sacrifice that left a deep scar in the national psyche.
Festivities this year were overshadowed by Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Moscow and severe disruptions at the capitals airports.
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APHundreds of soldiers line up in formation as the parade kicks off[/caption]
sky newsThe parade is underway in Moscow’s Red Square[/caption]
Russia’s full military might is on display