In pictures: Russian WW2 Victory Day parade in Moscow

Russia has staged a huge parade marking 70 years since the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War Two. The Soviet Union suffered the heaviest casualties in the Great Patriotic War - as Russia calls the carnage of 1941-1945.

It was a poignant day for millions who lost relatives in the war, as well as veterans - many of whom attended the parade

Russian Defence Minister Gen Sergei Shoigu saluted the troops on Moscow's Red Square

President Putin (centre) sat alongside the presidents of China (third left) and Kazakhstan (far right)

Chinese troops marched in the annual parade for the first time - it has become a bigger event under Mr Putin

WW2 uniforms were on show as banners from the Soviet wartime fronts were paraded

Russia showed off its brand-new T-14 Armata tank - which boasts automatic firing systems and high-tech electronics

A Tu-160 strategic bomber was part of a fly-past by 143 aircraft