President Vladimir Putin today led a huge commemorative WWII march through Red Square as Russia celebrated 70 years since Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.
Clutching a portrait of his father Vladimir, who fought in the war, Putin unexpectedly joined a massive column of some 250,000 Russians who carried pictures of their relatives in a Kremlin-backed campaign dubbed the "Immortal Regiment."
"I think that my father, just like millions of simple soldiers - and he was a plain soldier - had every right to walk through this square," Putin told reporters on Red Square.
The 62-year-old president said the campaign was a tribute to the country's fallen soldiers and civilians but also a sign of Russia's strength.
"It also speaks of our self-confidence, confidence in our strength and the happy future for our children."
The crowds of Russians proudly carrying portraits of their relatives snaked along central Tverskaya street, Moscow's main avenue, before reaching Red Square.
Earlier in the day Putin presided over a mammoth parade featuring more than 16,000 troops and cutting-edge military equipment.
In what is seen as punishment for Kremlin's meddling in Ukraine, Western countries led by Russia's World War II allies are boycotting the May 9 festivities, leaving Putin to mark the big day in the company of the leaders of China, Cuba and other Moscow-friendly figures.
