(Read the full article on Rferl.org)

Russia showed off its military might with parades across the country on May 9 to commemorate the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, Radio Free Europe reported.

President Vladimir Putin reviewed the main Victory Day parade on Moscow’s Red Square, featuring some 12,000 troops, nearly 200 pieces of military hardware, and aircraft and helicopter flyovers. Putin watched the display with Soviet war veterans from a review platform, the news organisation said,.

Since coming to power two decades ago, Putin has sought either as president or prime minister to restore symbols of the Soviet and Russian past to boost patriotism.

Putin, during his address on the 76th anniversary of the Allied victory over Nazi Germany, vowed that Russia will defend its national interests and denounced what he asserted was the return of “Russophobia,” according to Radio Free Europe

“We will firmly defend our national interests to ensure the safety of our people,” Putin said.