Over 10,000 soldiers mark Soviet victory over Germany

Over 10,000 military personnel on Monday took part in a parade in Moscow's Red Square to mark the victory of the erstwhile Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in World War II.

The Russian aerospace forces of the National Guard took part for the first time in the 71st anniversary parade marking the defeat of the Nazis, EFE news reported.

Russia celebrates this anniversary on May 9 each year to honour the 26 million Soviet people who lost their lives during the six-year-long war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who attended the parade, said the fight against the Nazis was similar to the new challenge of international terrorism that faces the world.

"Today our civilisation faces brutality and violence ... terrorism has become a global threat," the Russian leader said.

"We must defeat this evil, and Russia is open to join forces with all countries and is ready to work on the creation of a modern, non-aligned system of international security," Putin added.

The participants observed a minute's silence in memory of the World War II martyrs.

--IANS

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