Victory Day Parade held in Moscow

MOSCOW The traditional Victory Day Parade was held in Moscow's Red Square on Thursday, to mark victory in the Second World War. 11,000 soldiers, 101 military vehicles and 68 Russian Air Force aircraft took part in the parade, that was attended by Red Army veterans, President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, and other top Russian officials. Victory Day Parade held in Moscow Afterwards, a reception was held in the Kremlin for the veterans. Putin, who is also commander-in-chief of the Russian Federation Army, addressed the gathering at the Red Square to say that Russian soldiers sacrificed themselves to free Europe from fascism, and that the Russian people will forever cherish the memory of that sacrifice. "We will always remember that it was Russia, the Soviet Union, that thwarted the disgusting and bloody projects of the Nazis, preventing them from ruling the world," the president said, and added: (Beta/AP) "Our soldiers brought freedom and independence, fighting for their fatherland, liberating Europe, and bringing victory, the glory of which will remain in memory for centuries." "We remember what the tragedy of war means, and we will do everything, everything that we can to ensure that no one ever dares unleash another one, to ensure that no one threatens our children, our home, our land. We will do everything to strengthen global security,” Putin said. The celebrations will end this evening with fireworks in Moscow. Some 20,000 police officers and soldiers are providing security in the capital city today. More than 25 million Soviet citizens lost their lives during the Second World War. (Beta/AP) Beta Tanjug

Victory Day Parade held in Moscow

Afterwards, a reception was held in the Kremlin for the veterans.

Putin, who is also commander-in-chief of the Russian Federation Army, addressed the gathering at the Red Square to say that Russian soldiers sacrificed themselves to free Europe from fascism, and that the Russian people will forever cherish the memory of that sacrifice.

"We will always remember that it was Russia, the Soviet Union, that thwarted the disgusting and bloody projects of the Nazis, preventing them from ruling the world," the president said, and added: "Our soldiers brought freedom and independence, fighting for their fatherland, liberating Europe, and bringing victory, the glory of which will remain in memory for centuries."

"We remember what the tragedy of war means, and we will do everything, everything that we can to ensure that no one ever dares unleash another one, to ensure that no one threatens our children, our home, our land. We will do everything to strengthen global security,” Putin said.

The celebrations will end this evening with fireworks in Moscow. Some 20,000 police officers and soldiers are providing security in the capital city today.

More than 25 million Soviet citizens lost their lives during the Second World War.