Commemorating Victory: Russia marks end of World War II, remembers fallen heroes

World
Europe

02:07

Russia's president Vladimir Putin has promised to keep the military strong, but also says Moscow is ready to cooperate with anyone opposed to terrorism. His comments came at ceremonies marking the end of World War Two in Europe on Thursday. Huge crowds turned out to celebrate and remember the millions who died. CGTN's Julia Chapman reports from the Victory Day parade in Moscow.

A procession of troops and tanks through Moscow's Red Square - this is remembrance on a colossal scale. Victory Day is one of Russia's most important annual events. As the country celebrates its World War Two glory.

VLADIMIR PUTIN RUSSIAN PRESIDENT "Congratulations on Victory Day, the day of our pride and grief, our boundless gratitude to the defenders of the Fatherland who crushed Nazism. They are all on the pedestal of the tremendous Victory."

More than twenty million Soviet soldiers and civilians were killed in the conflict. Hardly any family was left unscarred. So hundreds of thousands take to the street every year, honoring relatives that were lost.

"I've come here today because my grandfather died for our motherland. He fought against fascism and gave his life so that we could live today."

"We are here because we remember our grandfather and great grandfathers, so there can be peace around the world, so our children and grandchildren can live peacefully."

"We are here to remember and so that there will never be war again."

"We are here to remember because our grandfather spilled blood."

JULIA CHAPMAN MOSCOW "But for Russians, this isn't just a somber occasion to remember the dead. It is a celebration of the Soviet Union's greatest triumph and a reminder of the country's modern military might."

The day's growing grandiosity has come under some criticism, sparking accusations of jingoism. But in Russia - Victory Day inspires national pride, and no one is too young to enjoy it.

Julia Chapman, CGTN, Moscow.