06:51
9.5.2014
A beautiful holiday morning in Kyiv pic.twitter.com/SIozwIMFgo
— Geoffrey Pyatt (@GeoffPyatt) May 9, 2014
06:49
9.5.2014
Here's some more on the Moscow Parade from our news desk:
Speaking at massive Victory Day ceremonies in Moscow's Red Square, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the strong will and resilience of the Russian people saved Europe from slavery.
Putin said the holiday, which this year marks the 69th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, is Russia's greatest. He called it a source of patriotism, sorrow, and pride for the Russian people.
The country's military is on full display during the ceremonies. Some 11,000 troops are taking part in the parade on Red Square, along with around 150 units of military hardware, plus tanks and some 69 planes and helicopters.
This year's celebration comes with patriotism on the rise in Russia, fueled by the country's annexation of the Ukrainian region of Crimea.
Russian media earlier reported that Putin may attend Victory Day ceremonies in Sevastopol, where Russia's Black Sea Fleet is based.
Putin said the holiday, which this year marks the 69th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, is Russia's greatest. He called it a source of patriotism, sorrow, and pride for the Russian people.
The country's military is on full display during the ceremonies. Some 11,000 troops are taking part in the parade on Red Square, along with around 150 units of military hardware, plus tanks and some 69 planes and helicopters.
This year's celebration comes with patriotism on the rise in Russia, fueled by the country's annexation of the Ukrainian region of Crimea.
Russian media earlier reported that Putin may attend Victory Day ceremonies in Sevastopol, where Russia's Black Sea Fleet is based.
06:47
9.5.2014
In contrast to red square, Kiev celebrations as muted as possible. Desperate to avoid violence that would appear on Russian TV.
— Richard Carter (@rdcberlinAFP) May 9, 2014
06:27
9.5.2014
Sejrsdag 9. maj. Putin holder kort tale på den Røde Plads. Og så: det store våbenshow. pic.twitter.com/CiufTqx9Dx
— Simon Kruse (@crusoes) May 9, 2014
06:26
9.5.2014
It seems Putin kept things short in his Victory Day speech to the crowd in Moscow.
Among the things he said was that strong will of the Russian people, their resilience, saved Europe from slavery.
He also said Victory Day is a source of patriotism, sorrow, and pride for the Russian people.
Among the things he said was that strong will of the Russian people, their resilience, saved Europe from slavery.
He also said Victory Day is a source of patriotism, sorrow, and pride for the Russian people.
06:19
9.5.2014
Here's RT's live feed of the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow:
06:12
9.5.2014
On Red Square the open top Zils are ready for Russia's military bosses. Victory Day parade this morning. pic.twitter.com/HzK6Z6CrGA
— Steve Rosenberg (@BBCSteveR) May 9, 2014
06:05
9.5.2014
Ukraine refuses Russian demand for advance gas payment http://t.co/2PyKlmXfv9
— bruce springnote (@BSpringnote) May 9, 2014
05:47
9.5.2014
This has just been tweeted by the BBC's Daniel Sandford in Sevastopol:
A huge turnout with an hour still to go to the first parade. pic.twitter.com/i2Cg7tjp3W
— Daniel Sandford (@BBCDanielS) May 9, 2014
05:46
9.5.2014
"#Donetsk People's Republic" insist logistics in place for Sunday referendum. Voting to be held in hospitals, schools, official buildings.
— Douglas Herbert (@dougf24) May 9, 2014