Putin welcomes foreign leaders on Victory Day: As it happened
Military parades and other ceremonial events paying tribute to the valor and sacrifice of the Soviet people have taken place across Russia, with the centerpiece Victory Day celebration in Moscow attended by 28 foreign leaders.
Thousands of troops and dozens of military vehicles paraded through Moscow's iconic Red Square on May 9 to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany and its collaborators.
For over a decade, Victory Day has also featured a massive civilian march known as the Immortal Regiment, during which people carry portraits of their relatives who fought the Nazis. Dozens of Immortal Regiment marches have already taken place across the world over the past week – including in China, Africa, and Latin America – leading up to Russia's Victory Day celebrations.
Following the parade in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a series of meetings with visiting leaders, with talks expected to cover Ukraine, regional conflicts, energy cooperation, and economic ties. The leaders of Brazil, Egypt, Slovakia, Serbia, and Uzbekistan were among those taking part in the discussions.
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