Russian President Vladimir Putin has taken center stage at Russia’s Victory Day parade on Friday, surrounding himself by friendly world leaders in a highly choreographed show designed to show the Western world that Russia is far from isolated.

Vladimir Putin is leading Russia's Victory Day commemorations with a parade in Red Square and ramped up security after days of Ukrainian strikes targeting the capital. Chinese President Xi Jingping is among more than 20 international leaders who have made the journey to Moscow.

Russia has celebrated the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, with President Vladimir Putin presiding over a massive parade of tanks, missiles and troops through Red Square.