Russia's president, speaking to the annual Victory Day display of military might on Red Square, says the country is committed to peace and global stability.

The Monday parade, marking the surrender of Nazi Germany in World War II, saw some 20,000 servicemen march in precision formation through the vast square outside the Kremlin, followed by 100 pieces of mobile military hardware from armored personnel carriers to lumbering Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile launchers.

In a speech to the troops and guests, President Dmitry Medvedev said "today Russia firmly upholds the principles of peaceful cooperation, consistently advocates for a security system and contributes to the overall effort to maintain global stability in the world."

Yesterday evening President Dmitry Medvedev met veterans at a ceremony in Moscow’s Armed forces Museum.

Several of the former soldiers invited him to join them in the mobile kitchen trailer in the Museum’s courtyard. They were all wearing medals denoting personal courage and distinguished service.

The president thanked them for their part in the victory over the Nazis and led them in a toast to the public holiday which has become known as ‘Victory Day’.

In London today wreaths will be laid at the Russian war memorial in the grounds of the Imperial War Museum and this afternoon HRH the Duke of Kent and the Russian Ambassador to the UK, Alexander Yakovenko will be present at a celebrations aboard HMS Belfast on the Thames.