Russians celebrate World War Two victory with huge parades

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Millions of people across Russia gathered for parades and events for Victory Day on Thursday.

Every year, Russia celebrates May 9 as the day the Soviet Union defeated Nazi Germany in World War II, which is also known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War.

In Moscow, tanks rolled down the streets and thousands of troops marched in Red Square in front of President Vladimir Putin and other dignitaries.

This year's parade on Red Square included 13,000 troops and 130 military vehicles and 74 aircraft, according to the Moscow Times. But the planned flight formation by 74 aircraft was cancelled due to bad weather conditions.

Fireworks explode over Saint Isaac's Cathedral (C) during Victory Day celebrations, Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 9, 2019. /VCG Photo

Addressing the crowds, Putin said Russia must remember the lessons of war, but stressed that the country was ready for combat nevertheless.

He said: "The lessons of the past war are still relevant. We have done and will continue to do our best to ensure high combat capability of our armed forces, the defense potential of the most modern level, and we will continue to reinforce the prestige of military service and the standing of soldiers and officers, the defenders of the fatherland.”

Later in the day, hundreds of thousands of people marched through the streets of central Moscow, holding banners with photographs of family members who died in the war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and other participants carry portraits of their relatives, WWII soldiers, as they take part in the Immortal Regiment march on Red Square, Moscow, May 9, 2019. /VCG Photo

Upwards of twenty million Soviet soldiers and civilians were killed in the conflict.

The Red Army suffered heavy losses at the hands of the Nazis, including at Stalingrad, one of World War Two's largest and bloodiest battles.

Participants of the parade spoke of their pride and their duty to remember the sacrifice of their ancestors.

One visitor, who had traveled from Siberia to attend the parade, said: "We've traveled here today for the sake of our children. We're here to remember and so that there will never be war again.”

Participants carry portraits of people, including Red Army soldiers, during the Immortal Regiment march on the Victory Day, Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2019. /VCG Photo‍

Another marcher said "I have come here today because my grandfather died for our Motherland. He fought against fascism and gave his life so that we could live today."

Victory Day celebrations have only been held annually since the break-up of the Soviet Union. The scale of the events has grown under the tenure of President Putin, whose regularly emphasizes the glory of the country's World War Two triumph.