Takeaways from Russias Victory Day parade RT Russia & Former Soviet Union [Video]

Russia has celebrated the 79th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany in World War II with a traditional military parade in Moscow’s Red Square involving thousands of troops and dozens of armored vehicles and warplanes. May 9 is considered to be the most revered national holiday in the country.

Here are the key events linked to the solemn occasion.

Only friends in Moscow

Russia did not invite officials or envoys representing “unfriendly” states to watch the parade, although this policy did not apply to veterans’ organizations, according to Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

President Vladimir Putin therefore welcomed several leaders from former Soviet republics, as well as the presidents of Cuba, Guinea-Bissau, and Laos. Other guests included ambassadors and military attaches from friendly countries.

Military parade in May snowfall

Thousands of Russian troops from different branches of the military marched in …