Moscow - Russia commemorated victory in the second World War yesterday with its first civilian defence minister greeting troops in Red Square and President Vladimir Putin issuing a subtle message on US missile defence plans.
Mr Sergei Ivanov, appointed by Mr Putin in March, stood ramrod straight in a dark blue suit as he moved swiftly through the square in an open-top silver grey ZiL limousine to congratulate 5,000 troops from different parts of the armed forces.
Diplomats and bemedalled veterans, many leaning on canes or crutches, watched as troops filed past with flags aloft. A small group performed a colourful marching routine, placing their rifles on the ground to spell pobeda, meaning victory.