Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to preside over a huge military parade in Moscow marking victory over the Nazis in World War Two

The annual celebration has taken on added significance as Russia’s war in Ukraine falters

There is speculation that Putin could use the occasion to make a major announcement related to the invasion

The Kremlin says parades will take place in 28 Russian cities involving 65,000 people, 2,400 items of military hardware and more than 400 aircraft

Victory Day is Russia’s biggest public holiday and recognises the defeat of Nazi Germany by the USSR.

Under Vladimir Putin, Victory Day has become a show of strength of troops and military hardware, as well as a chance to remember the sacrifices of World War Two.

Around 27 million Soviet citizens died, by far the greatest loss of any country, in what Russians call the Great Patriotic War.

This year, the event has taken on a significance of its own. Far from liberating Europe, Russia has waged months of war against its neighbour Ukraine and is devoid of any real form of military victory that it can celebrate.

Today’s parade in Red Square is expected to feature thousands of troops and an aerial display. The Air Force has been rehearsing over Red Square in a Z formation – the controversial symbol adopted by the troops who have invaded Ukraine. (Pieced together from BBC reports)