In pictures: Russia's Victory Day and Ukraine clashes
- Published
Russia has been parading its military might in Moscow's Red Square and Sevastopol in Crimea, amid an expanded Victory Day celebrating the Soviet Union's victory in World War Two. Meanwhile, violence has broken out in Ukraine's Mariupol between separatists and troops.
Thousands of troops marched through Moscow's Red Square on Friday in a show of military might.
Patriotism is surging after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in March. Here, military aircraft trail smoke in the colours of the Russian flag.
The parade lasted longer than usual, and 50 more military vehicles were on display compared with the previous year.
In a speech, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the holiday celebrated the triumph of "all-conquering patriotic force" and he stressed "loyalty to the motherland and how important it is to defend its interests".
He made no mention during the parade of the unrest in neighbouring Ukraine, which Moscow has been accused of fostering. Moscow denies the claims.
But after the parade, Mr Putin made his first visit to Crimea since it became part of Russia. He addressed sailors from a boat in Sevastopol harbour before landing at the quayside to speak to the waiting crowds.
Kiev criticised Mr Putin's visit, saying it ignored Ukraine's sovereignty. Nato also described Mr Putin's trip as "inappropriate", and said it did not recognise Russia's annexation of Crimea.
Meanwhile, fighting broke out between Ukrainian troops and pro-Russian rebels in the southern Ukrainian city of Mariupol as soldiers tried to retake the police headquarters.
Tanks could be seen on the streets of Mariupol, and television footage showed civilians trying to block armoured vehicles. Here, people can be seen climbing onto a broken armoured vehicle left behind by Ukrainian forces.
At least 20 pro-Russia protesters and one Ukrainian security officer were killed in the clashes, Ukraine's interior minister said.