Russian President Vladimir Putin greeted World War II veterans ahead of the Victory Day Parade on Red Square on Saturday.

Footage shows the head of state, alongside Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, approaching the podium and shaking hands with the heroes who fought against fascism.

This year marks the 81st anniversary of Victory Day, when Nazi Germany surrendered to Allied forces in 1945.

Observed in Russia and elsewhere on May 9, Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) comes a day earlier in Western countries due to the time difference at the moment of the German surrender.

The Kremlin said this year’s iconic military parade on Red Square was downsized over the ‘terrorist threat’ from Ukraine, while the Defence Ministry warned of a “massive retaliatory strike on Kiev” in the event of any attempt to disrupt celebrations.

On Friday, US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine running from May 9 to 11, with a prisoner exchange of 1,000 per side. Moscow and Kiev both supported the initiative.

#russia #victoryparade #parade #parade2026 #putin #shorts

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