Victory Day: Russia demonstrates its might /PHOTOS, VIDEO

Victory Day: Russia demonstrates its might /PHOTOS, VIDEO

135 different types of military equipment were presented, with 71 Russian Air Force jets and helicopters flying overhead.

Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the gathering, and will also join veterans to lay wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev was also present at Red Square. "This year marks the 75th anniversary of the start of World War Two. In that moment, the lives of the Soviet people changed. Our first priority was to save our homeland," the president said, according to Sputnik. "Russia is ready to join efforts with other countries, is ready to work on the creation of a modern, non-bloc system of international security," TASS reported Putin as saying. After the sounding of the Russian national anthem and honorary fire from artillery weapons, cadets from Russian military schools - including for the first time women - marched on Red Square.

Members of all branches of the Russian Armed Forces took part in the event. The Immortal Regiment event - during which people carry photographs of their relatives who participated in the Second World War - was first held in the Siberian city of Tomsk in 2012, TASS reported on Monday.

In 2013, it was held in 120 cities, and in 2014, in 500 cities and towns in seven countries. This year, it will be held in Belgrade as well, organized by the Russian embassy, and also in 50 other countries. The Second World War in Europe ended on May 9, 1945, when Germany signed its unconditional capitulation.

The remnants of Nazi German troops and their allies offered resistance in some areas of Europe for several more days - in the case of Yugoslavia, until May 15.