Festivities have been held in Moscow throughout the day and were topped off by a spectacular fireworks display.
The fireworks show kicked off at 22 00 Moscow time and crowds watched from a variety of sites in the capital. 4,500 fireworks lit up the Moscow sky.
The tradition dates back to the war years of 1943-1945. At that time, fireworks marked all the victories reported in the media. That was a way to boost the morale of the nation and encourage troops for further achievements.
Interestingly, the cannons used for fireworks were produced back in 1942-1943. Some of them have marks from enemy bombs.