In pictures: Vladimir Putin delivers speech as Moscow's Victory Day parade in Moscow's Red Square
The Kremlin leader has said Russia’s military action in Ukraine is a timely and necessary response to Western policies.
Addressing the nation, he said the invasion of Ukraine - what he called a "special military operation" - was necessary and had been provoked by the West.
He called Nato "an obvious threat" to Russia and said the Russian military operation had been necessary and the "right decision" and finished his speech to cheers from soldiers in Red Square, cannon fire and the Russian national anthem.
5. Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a flower-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a flower-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier after the Victory Day military parade in central Moscow. Photo by Anton Novoderezhkin via Getty Images) Photo: ANTON NOVODEREZHKIN
6. Russian President Vladimir Putin greets veterans as he arrives to watch the Victory Day military parade at Red Square in central Moscow
Russia celebrates the 77th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany during World War II. Vladimir Putin has said Russia’s military action in Ukraine is a timely and necessary response to Western policies. Picture; Mikhail Metzel, Getty Photo: MIKHAIL METZEL
7. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu leave Red Square after the Victory Day military parade in central Moscow on May 9, 2022.
The Russian leader added that troops are fighting for the country’s security in Ukraine, and observed a minute of silence to honour those who had fallen in combat. Photo: KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV
8. Russian President Vladimir Putin leaves Red Square after the Victory Day military parade in central Moscow on May 9, 2022
Russian President Vladimir Putin leaves Red Square after the Victory Day military parade in central Moscow on May 9, 2022 Photo: KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV