Russia has showcased some of its newest and most advanced military technology at the annual Victory Day Parade in Moscow. The event commemorates the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945, and is watched by millions across Russia. Jessica King sent this report.

The military might of Russia, displayed in the country's most famous square. The 9th of May Victory Day parade marks Germany's surrender to the Soviet Union in 1945, signalling the end of World War Two, or what Russia calls the 'Great Patriotic War'. The newly inaugurated President Putin looked on as thousands of troops marched past him. He talked about new global threats, and said all countries should learn from the past, for the sake of future peace.

VLADIMIR PUTIN RUSSIAN PRESIDENT "Russia is open for dialogue about all the questions of global security. We are ready for constructive, equal partnership for the sake of concord, tranquility and progress all over the planet."

JESSICA KING MOSCOW "Memorial services and military parades are held across Russia to honour the millions who sacrificed their lives during the Second World War. Veterans wear their medals with pride, and are given a red carnation as a symbol of appreciation."

94-year-old Veteran Evgeny Shalashnikov says the day is painful, but hopeful.

EVGENY SHALASHNIKOV VETERAN "Every time this day approaches, we have a lot of memories that come back. Memories of young guys who wanted to love and wanted to live, who wanted to have a family, but it never happened."

PETER YEROFEYEV VETERAN "I'm proud that I defended the Motherland and survived. I was injured twice. Today the military equipment has inspired me, in the sense that if anyone touches us [Russia] now, they will get hit back."

Cutting-edge weaponry was paraded through Red square, as Russia showed the world it's multi-billion dollar modernisation programme. Among the high-profile guests was Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His visit comes amid the fallout from the US' decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, a move which divides Russia and Israel. Many will be waiting to see how this relationship unfolds, as Putin continues to try and establish Russia as a power broker in the Middle East. Jessica King, CGTN, Moscow.