Thousands of Russian soldiers have marched on Moscow’s Red Square to mark the 79th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. May 9 is one of the most revered holidays in the country.
More than 9,000 servicemen from various branches of the military took part in the parade, including soldiers who have seen service in the Ukraine conflict. More than 70 tanks and armored vehicles joined the show, with an iconic T-34, the workhorse of the Red Army throughout WWII, leading the column. Iskander-M ballistic missiles, S-400 air defense systems, and Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles also traversed Red Square as part of the annual event.
Several military aircraft took part in the traditional flyby despite the unusual May snowfall over the Russian capital. In previous years, the flyby has been canceled due to the weather.
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech before the parade in which he stated that while Russia would not permit a global conflict, neither would it allow threats against it.