Russian president Vladimir Putin has been seen with his briefcase containing the codes to launch a nuclear attack, just moments before declaring his country is in a "real war" with the West.
His nuclear briefcase - also known as the nuclear football - was carried by an aide as Putin arrived at Red Square for today's Victory Day parade.
Snipers were visible on Red Square as Putin presided over the massive military parade which today marks the 78th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany in the Second World War.
The parade came less than a week after a double drone attack on the nearby Kremlin which Putin blames on Ukraine while providing no proof.
Snipers were seen on top of GUM department store opposite the Kremlin on Red Square as Putin made an attack on the West, claiming it was seeking to defeat Russia.
During his 10-minute speech, the tyrant repeated previous claims about the war in Ukraine - which has seen almost 200,000 Russians slaughtered.
Moments before the parade began, Russia unleashed a barrage of cruise missiles on Ukraine.
The Kremlin's forces launched 25 missiles overnight in a wave of attacks across Ukraine, the Ukrainian air force said, adding that air defence had successfully destroyed 23 of them.
In a Telegram post, the air force said eight Kalibr cruise missiles were launched from carriers in the Black Sea toward the east and 17 from strategic aircraft.
At least 21 Russian cities cancelled their Victory Day parades - a staple of celebrations across Russia - for the first time in years.
The Immortal Regiment processions, in which crowds take to the streets holding portraits of relatives who died or served in World War II - another pillar of the holiday - have also been cancelled in multiple cities due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
