Russia marks Victory Day, "demonstrates military might"

Russia marks Victory Day, "demonstrates military might"

The Kremlin this year demonstrated its military might to the world with a record number of aircraft and vehicles.

The parade on Red Square included the participation of more than 11,000 soldiers and officers of the armed forces, the police, and cadets.

69 combat aircraft and helicopters flew over the square, while the ground forces showed 149 military vehicles, including the new anti-aircraft missile systems Tor-M2U.

As reported by the Russian media, "the most modern weapons" that exist today have been presented. President Putin, who is chief of the Russian armed forces, addressed the parade that was this year covered by more than 600 journalists from around the world. Although some have speculated that he would directly reflect on the situation in Ukraine in his speech, he did not.

However, Putin told the thousands gathered in Moscow that it was of crucial importance to defend the vital interests of the state.

"This is a feast where the irresistible force of patriotism triumphs, when we all clearly feel what it means to be loyal to our homeland and how important it is to defend its interests," said Putin, adding that "the iron will of the Soviet people liberated Europe."

The parade was opened by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, while Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, as well as thousands of war veterans, also attended.

International public was waiting the continuation of Victory Day celebrations in Russia and Ukraine, as there have been unconfirmed announcement that Putin and Medvedev might head to Sevastopol in Crimea.

The Kremlin announced on Friday afternoon that Putin had arrived to the peninsula - his first visit since it became a member of the Russian Federation. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said earlier this week that it would be "a shame if Putin used the day to visit Crimea."

At the same time, the government in Kiev sent a message to the public that it does not encourage mass public gatherings and that Victory Day over fascism will be marked humble wreath-laying ceremonies in the capital of Ukraine.

"Roadblocks have been set, serious controls will be conducted, because we expect provocative actions on May 9," said the interim President of Ukraine Oleksadr Turchynov.

Military parades are today also in eight other cities designated as heroes: Sevastopol, Kerch, St. Petersburg, Smolensk, Murmansk, Tula, Novorossiysk, and Volgograd, as well as in 16 other cities throughout the Russian Federation.

Victory Day is one of the most important holidays in Russia and a key element of Russian national identity, when the country pays tribute to the millions of victims of the Second World War. It also represents an opportunity for Russia to show its huge military arsenal.