Russia marks Victory Day with vast parade

The Monday parade, marking the surrender of Nazi Germany in World War II, saw some 20,000 servicemen march in precision formation through the Red Square, followed by 100 pieces of mobile military hardware from armored personnel carriers to lumbering Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile launchers.

In a speech to the troops and guests, President Dmitry Medvedev said "today Russia firmly upholds the principles of peaceful cooperation, consistently advocates for a security system and contributes to the overall effort to maintain global stability in the world." (AP)