Victory Day parade in Red Square

An invited audience gathered under the walls of the Moscow Kremlin on Wednesday (May 9) to watch this year's Victory Day parade in Red Square.

Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the parade with a short speech.

Hundreds of troops marched past Kremlin walls, stands with politicians, diplomats, guests and war veterans, and St Basil's Cathedral which border one side of the square.

Military vehicles followed, driving in formation across the cobblestones of Russia's most famous landmark.

The Victory Day Parade is held every year on May 9 in Red Square as a showcase for Russia's military forces.

The audience for the parade itself includes veterans and political leaders, and this year, Vladimir Putin will officiate the parade two days after his inauguration as Russia's new president.

The parade is held to mark Germany's surrender to the Soviet Union in 1945 and is a national holiday.