The great Victory day parade was Dmitry Medvedev’s first in his new role as Russian President. Flanked by new Prime Minister Putin, the President congratulated his compatriots and also called for everyone to remember and learn from the lessons of WW2.

“Our army and fleet are growing stronger, as Russia itself,” he said.

He called for serious treatment of attempts to revise borders and neglect international law.

“The Victory festivities have become the most sacred, it has become forever a symbol of our national unity,” Medvedev said.

"The history of world wars shows that armed conflicts do not originate on their own. They are instigated by those whose ambitions have an upper hand of the interests of countries and continents, the interests of millions of people.

“Millions of citizens of not only our country, but also of the CIS and those far abroad celebrate Victory Day. You cannot ignore the norms of international law, without which a safe life and a just world order are impossible”.

Medvedev called for remembrance of the lessons of World War II.

“Esteemed citizens of Russia, dear veterans of the Great Patriotic War, soldiers and sailors, sergeants and officers, generals and admirals! I cordially congratulate you on the Day of the Great Victory,” Medvedev stated.