Aircraft fly in formation during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)
MOSCOW, May 9 (Xinhua) -- Russia held its annual Victory Day parade on Friday with a large military display on Red Square, marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War.
This year's Victory Day parade, featuring military units from 13 foreign countries, kicked off with the Russian national flag and the Banner of Victory being carried onto Red Square.
Leaders from more than 20 countries and international organizations attended the event.
During his speech, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Victory Day was one of the country's most significant holidays.
"We remember the lessons of World War II and will never agree to the distortion of its history, or attempts to justify the executioners and slander the true victors," Putin said in his address.
The defeat of Nazi Germany, militaristic Japan, and their allies in various regions of the world was achieved through the joint efforts of many countries, the president said.
"We highly value the contribution to our common struggle of allied soldiers, members of the resistance, the courageous people of China, all those who fought for a peaceful future," Putin said.
The parade, led by Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Ground Forces Army General Oleg Salyukov, involved over 11,000 servicemen and 183 pieces of military equipment, the TASS news agency reported.
Ceremonial regiments from various countries marched through Red Square, followed by columns of military equipment, led by the legendary T-34 tanks.
The parade featured tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, missile systems, and drones, including the Yars intercontinental ballistic missile system, the Tornado-S multiple-launch rocket system, the S-400 Triumph air defense system, and Lancet and Geran drones.
Following the parade, the Russian president and visiting foreign leaders laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Alexander Garden in Moscow.
Aircraft fly in formation during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)
Aircraft fly in formation during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)
Aircraft fly in formation during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)
Aircraft fly in formation during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)
Aircraft fly in formation during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)
Aircraft fly in formation during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)
Aircraft fly in formation during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Lai Xiangdong)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Lai Xiangdong)
Armored vehicles march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Lai Xiangdong)
Aircraft fly in formation during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Photo by Alexander Zemlianichenko Jr/Xinhua)
Aircraft fly in formation during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)
Aircraft fly in formation during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)
Aircraft fly in formation during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)
Aircraft fly in formation during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
This photo taken on May 9, 2025 shows a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
Aircraft fly in formation during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
Armored vehicles march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
Armored vehicles march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
Armored vehicles march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
This photo taken on May 9, 2025 shows a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov (front R) reviews the troops during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)
Armored vehicles wait to march to the Red Square to attend a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Meng Jing)
Armored vehicles march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Lai Xiangdong)
Aircraft fly in formation over the building of State Duma during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Meng Jing)
A military band prepares to attend a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
Aircraft fly in formation during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Meng Jing)
A military band marches during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Lai Xiangdong)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
This photo taken on May 9, 2025 shows a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
Aircraft fly in formation during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Photo by Alexander Zemlianichenko Jr/Xinhua)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)
Soldiers are about to attend a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Photo by Alexander Zemlianichenko Jr/Xinhua)
Soldiers are about to attend a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Photo by Alexander Zemlianichenko Jr/Xinhua)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
Soldiers are about to attend a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Photo by Alexander Zemlianichenko Jr/Xinhua)
Aircraft fly in formation during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Photo by Alexander Zemlianichenko Jr/Xinhua)
Soldiers are about to attend a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Photo by Alexander Zemlianichenko Jr/Xinhua)
Armored vehicles march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov (front) reviews the troops during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)
Aircraft fly in formation during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)
Armored vehicles march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
Armored vehicles march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
Aircraft fly in formation during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
Armored vehicles march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
Aircraft fly in formation during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
This photo taken on May 9, 2025 shows a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)
A military band attends a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)
A military band attends a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Lai Xiangdong)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Lai Xiangdong)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov (C, front) reviews the troops during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov (front) reviews the troops during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Lai Xiangdong)
Soldiers are about to attend a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Lai Xiangdong)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Lai Xiangdong)
Soldiers march during a grand parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Lai Xiangdong)