Russia has celebrated the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, with President Vladimir Putin presiding over a massive parade of tanks, missiles and troops through Red Square.

As Russia celebrates its 80-year-old victory over Nazi Germany, Putin wants the world to see that despite the new conflict in Europe, he still has friends in high places.

Events to mark the holiday in the occupied territories seem to be an effort to show Russian control of land it has captured.