There was no shortage of military might on show in Moscow on Monday as Russia marked the 71st anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany in World War
There was no shortage of military might on show in Moscow on Monday as Russia marked the 71st anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany in World War II
As ever, thousands lined the capital’s Red Square to celebrate the occasion.
Columns of troops and tanks took party in the parade, as did Russia’s advanced S-400 air defence missile system.
Meanwhile, in a hint at Russia’s present day strategy, President Vladimir Putin used the event to call for a new international alliance to defeat current global threats.
‘‘History teaches us that peace in our world doesn’t happen on its own. Once again today we face unparalleled cruelty and violence. Terrorism has become a global menace and we must beat it. Russia is ready to use its power with other states to create an international security system outside the traditional blocks,’‘ he said.
Despite such offers of cooperation, Russia’s relationship with the West remains as complicated as ever.
Last week, the Kremlin accused NATO of trying to destabilise the Caucasus. It also announced it would reinforce its western and southern flanks with three new divisions by the end of the year.