Tight security as Moscow marks Victory Day with Red Square parade

Russia warned that if Ukraine attempts to disrupt festivities, it will carry out a 'massive missile strike on the centre of Kyiv'

Russian President Vladimir Putin, centre, and foreign leaders attend a ceremony to lay flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by the Kremlin wall in Moscow, Saturday, May 9, 2026, during celebrations of the 81st anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (Alexander Nemenov/Pool Photo via AP)

Russian president Vladimir Putin has voiced confidence of victory in Ukraine as he oversaw a military parade on Red Square commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany in the Second World War.

Security was tight in Moscow as Mr Putin and several foreign leaders attended the parade, even as a US-brokered three-day ceasefire eased concerns about possible Ukrainian attempts to disrupt the festivities.