Russia celebrates WW II victory

The veterans of the Great Patriotic War are now living in different countries but their feat "cannot be divided", Putin said. "We will always honor all of you, glorify the victory that was and remains one for all."

Putin said Russia will continue developing its defense potential but remains open for cooperation with other countries in fighting terrorism, extremism and neo-Nazism.

"We did and will continue doing all things necessary to ensure the high defense capability of our Armed Forces, the defense potential of the most advanced weapons and to further strengthen the prestige of the military service, soldiers and officers and Fatherland defenders," the Russian leader said.

After Putin's speech, servicemen from the Armed Forces, National Guard, military academies, the Emergencies Ministry and the Federal Security Service marched across the square as the military band played.