Russian President Vladimir Putin led celebrations marking 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with a parade in Moscow's Red Square of 11,000 troops, with World War II-era T-34 tanks alongside advanced weaponry.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is celebrating Russia’s Victory Day on Friday surrounded by friendly world leaders, watching as thousands of troops marched in a parade at Moscow’s Red Square.

Events to mark the holiday in the occupied territories seem to be an effort to show Russian control of land it has captured.