Russia puts on military parade

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 05-09-2008 15:05

In Russia, a military parade featuring more than 8,000 soldiers and officers of the Moscow garrison has started at Red Square. The parade commemorates the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany 63 years ago.

A military parade featuring more than 8,000 soldiers and officers of the Moscow garrison has started at Red Square.

For the first time in post-Soviet Russia, tanks and nuclear missile launchers are rumbling across Red Square. Rehearsals for the parade have been taking place for the last two weeks, closing the centre of Moscow for hours.

This year Russia's military leaders have promised to display their latest weapons, including the Topol-M long-range ballistic missile.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is downplaying criticisms that the parade is another sign of Russia's growing aggressiveness.