Vladimir Putin tells a huge military parade in Moscow's Red Square that Russian troops in eastern Ukraine are "defending the motherland"
He says the invasion of Ukraine - what he called a "special military operation" - was necessary and had been provoked by the West.
The Russian president was leading anniversary celebrations in Moscow of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.
Victory Day in Russia - an annual commemoration - is the country's most important holiday and a source of national pride, marked by a huge parade of soldiers and military hardware through Red Square.
But the backdrop of this year's spectacle of tanks, planes, rockets and missiles is different.
Russian soldiers are fighting in Ukraine - one of the deadliest conflicts in Europe since the Second World War, which Mr Putin has described as a "special military operation".
Intense attacks from Russian forces continue across the war-ravaged country, with ordinary Russians being told they are once again fighting against "Nazism".
Today's celebrations kick-started with Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu being driven around Red Square, saluting troops.
Then-President Putin took centre stage and told his armed forces they were fighting for their country now.
"You are fighting for our people in Donbas, for the security of our motherland," he said.
However, he did not take the opportunity to officially declare war or further mobilise the Russian military.
Latest Stories
-
Joe Lartey Sr: A voice that brought life to Ghana sports and beyond
32 mins -
Australians call for tougher laws on violence against women after killings
3 hours -
African Development Council establishes mission in Benin for Francophone countries
3 hours -
Okyeame Kwame reveals his secret to longevity in music industry
3 hours -
Youthful-looking 60-year-old woman qualifies for Miss Argentina contest
3 hours -
Ejisu By-Election: Campaign heats up as NPP holds final rally ahead of Polls on Tuesday
3 hours -
Rwanda plan: Irish government wants to send asylum seekers back to UK
3 hours -
Ice cubes now cost more than bread and milk in parts of Mali
5 hours -
Titanic gold pocket watch sells for £900,000
6 hours -
Elon Musk in China to discuss enabling full self driving – reports
6 hours -
Foreign Affairs Ministry advises against travelling to Northern Mali
6 hours -
After dating him for three years, I proposed to my husband
6 hours -
Beatrice ‘Bee’ Arthur tackles plastic pollution through artistic exploration
7 hours -
Hundreds turn out for Luv FM/Telecel Fitness Walk in Kumasi
7 hours -
Ghana Post launches Asantehene Commemorative Stamp
7 hours