For the first time in nearly two decades, no military hardware featured in Moscow’s Victory Day parade.
But under tightened security, military personnel marched in droves across Red Square.
Addressing the crowd, Putin started his speech by commemorating the sacrifices of USSR soldiers during World War Two.
“The great feat of the generation of victors inspires the soldiers carrying out the goals of the special military operation today,” he said, referring to the war in Ukraine.
“They are confronting an aggressive force armed and supported by the whole bloc of Nato. And despite this, our heroes move forward.”
The Russian leader went on to celebrate the citizens of Russia, making reference to the contributions of workers to its war effort, including scientists, inventors, military correspondents, doctors and teachers.
“No matter how military tactics change, the future of the country is being provided for by the people,” he said.
Immediately after the speech, cannons fired successive rounds before music was played by a military brass band.
Behind Putin was Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.
Also in attendance at the event were Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith and Malaysia’s King, Sultan Ibrahim.
Markedly fewer world leaders turned up compared to last year’s 80th anniversary parade, which included China’s President Xi Jinping and Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Russian TV viewers were also shown a broadcast of soldiers on the front lines after Putin’s speech.