President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual Victory Day speech on Moscow's Red Square, using the occasion to defend Russia's military campaign in Ukraine and condemn NATO.

Addressing hundreds of troops assembled before him, Putin described the effort as a righteous struggle against Ukraine, which he labeled an aggressive adversary armed and backed by the full NATO alliance.

These comments occurred during subdued nationwide observances of Russia's most significant holiday, honoring the Soviet triumph over Nazi Germany in World War Two.

Prior to the event, which was reduced in scope due to security concerns over potential Ukrainian strikes, Russia and Ukraine consented to a three-day truce, as announced by US President Donald Trump on Friday.

After the parade concluded, Russia's defense ministry claimed Ukraine violated the truce, offering no specifics. Ukraine has yet to respond.

For the first time in recent years, no tanks, armored vehicles, or ballistic missiles appeared in the Moscow procession.

Nevertheless, under heightened security, large contingents of soldiers paraded across Red Square.

Putin opened his remarks by paying tribute to the sacrifices of Soviet forces in World War Two.

The heroic achievements of that victorious generation motivate today's troops pursuing the objectives of the special military operation, he stated, alluding to the Ukraine conflict now in its fifth year.

They face an aggressive adversary equipped and sustained by the entire NATO bloc, yet our brave fighters press onward, Putin added.

He then praised Russia's people, highlighting the roles of workers, scientists, inventors, war reporters, physicians, and educators in supporting the war effort.

Regardless of evolving combat strategies, the nation's future rests in the hands of its citizens, he emphasized.

Salvos from cannons followed the address, accompanied by a military brass band performance.

Among the international attendees were Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim, and Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, the sole EU figure present, met with Putin at the Kremlin prior to the event.

Far fewer global leaders attended than at last year's 80th anniversary celebration, which drew 27 heads of state, including China's Xi Jinping and Brazil's Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Russian television audiences viewed footage of frontline soldiers immediately after Putin's speech.

Post-ceremony, Putin placed wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and hosted a Kremlin reception.

Victory Day events unfolded elsewhere in Russia, albeit with smaller crowds than in past years.

In Vladivostok on the far east, a parade and Immortal Regiment march saluted wartime veterans.

State media noted similar marches in cities like Krasnoyarsk in Siberia and St. Petersburg.

Some parades were canceled outright.

Virtual alternatives were planned in places, though anticipated internet disruptions posed challenges.

Under Putin's leadership, Victory Day has served as a platform to showcase military prowess through propaganda.

Yet it remains a solemn reminder of World War Two sacrifices - known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War - claiming 27 million Soviet lives.

Russia initiated its full-scale Ukraine invasion in 2022.

Despite diverting troops and equipment to the front, Moscow parades traditionally displayed tanks, missiles, and weaponry until this year.

Officials last week confirmed the scaled-back format, blaming the ongoing operational demands.

Our tanks are needed in combat right now, Russian lawmaker Yevgeny Popov remarked to the BBC this week. They serve better on the battlefield than on Red Square.

Enhanced security, citing Ukrainian drone threats, further justified the reductions.

The three-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire held during the Moscow parade.

Post-event, however, Moscow's defense ministry alleged a Ukrainian breach, affirming Russia's commitment to the truce.

Earlier, Putin proposed a pause for May 8-9, while Kyiv sought an open-ended halt from May 6.

Mutual accusations of widespread frontline violations have followed those proposals.