Russia holds grand Victory Day parade in Moscow

MOSCOW -- 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.