President Putin hosted a military parade on Red Square, reminiscent of the days when Soviet leaders would view a parade of tanks, trucks and missiles.

After the grand parade more than 50 leaders walked down towards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The historical structure is a broad platform with a epitaph, bearing the inscription, 'Your name is unknown, your heroic deed is immortal.'

In December 1966, the remains of an unknown soldier killed in WW II was interred in the Alexander Gardens near the Kremlin wall.

Photograph: MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images

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