Victory Day parade: Russia celebrates triumph over Hitler amid Ukraine war - In Pics

Russia President Vladimir Putin, on Monday (May 9) led the anniversary celebrations of Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in 1945. Take a look at the pictures from the celebrations.

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During World War Two, the Soviet Union lost 27 million citizens including people from Ukraine. However, Soviet Union forces were able to push Nazi forces back to Berlin.

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With Vladimir Putin's rise in 2008, Victory Day became an annual even that featured the country's military hardware and prowess. It is remembered and celebrated as a sacred holiday during which Soviet families mourn their losses in the war.

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Although Putin has tried to bring Russia's military forces into the forefront, this year, Russia after its invasion in Ukraine is facing a hard time showcasing their military strength as Ukraine troops retaliate to their advances.

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Although the losses of Russian troops in the Russia-Ukraine war haven't been officially disclosed, reports suggest that the Russian losses are more than 15,000 which is the number of Soviets that were killed in the Soviet-Afghan war in 1979-1989.

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In his Victory Day speech, Vladimir Putin expressed that Russian troops in Ukraine were 'fighting for the future of their motherland'. 

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Putin has often used Victory Day to showcase the country's military power in Red Square with a parade of troops, huge tanks, and rockets.

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Putin has justified the invasion of Ukraine by claiming the rise of 'Nazi-inspired' nationalists in Ukraine and the need to curb their actions. He has likened it to when the Soviet Union fought against Adolf Hitler's Nazi regime.

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Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu is driven along Red Square in the Aurus Senat car during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Monday, May 9, 2022, marking the 77th anniversary of the end of World War II. (PTI)

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The Victory Day parade is an opporunity for Russia to show off its weaponry and war tanks.

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According to Russian agencies, 11,000 troops and 131 armoured vehicles took part in the Victory Day parade.

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At the parade, Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov expressed gratitude towards India for its contribution in defeating "Nazi Germany" as per an ANI report.

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