Annual celebration held to mark defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945

MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday warned the country could defeat any aggressors but insisted that the world come together to fight terrorism as Moscow marked 72 years since victory in World War II.

Soldiers and military hardware paraded across Red Square in Moscow as the country held its annual pomp-filled celebration of the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945.

"The lessons of past war force us to remain alert and the armed forces of Russia are capable of warding off any potential aggression," Putin said as he presided over the parade.

"Today life itself requires us to increase our defensive capability, but for an effective fight against terrorism, extremism, neo-Nazism and other threats it is necessary to consolidate the whole international community."

The president insisted that Russia was "open for such cooperation" and that Moscow would "always be on the side of the forces of peace and with those who choose the path of equal partnership".

Under Putin, celebrations of the Soviet Union's immense sacrifice in World War II have become a rallying point for Russian society.

"This monstrous tragedy was not prevented primarily because the criminal ideology of racial superiority was tolerated, because of the disunity of the world's leading countries," Putin said.

"There is no, there was no, and there will be no force that can conquer our people," he said.

"We will never forget that the freedom of Europe and long-awaited peace across the planet was won namely by our fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers."

The Victory Day military parade is also a major chance for the government to showcase Russia's military might as the country has poured vast sums into bolstering its forces.

Tuesday's parade was the first time Russia had showcased its Tor-M and Pantsir SA air defense systems, painted in the white and black colors of the country's Arctic forces.

Also on display were columns of troops, tanks and Russia's Yars intercontinental ballistic missile system.

In a hiccup, however, organizers said they were forced to cancel the traditional flyby of helicopters and warplanes over Red Square due "adverse weather conditions" as heavy clouds covered Moscow.

As soldiers paraded in cities across the country, Moscow's forces at the Hmeimim air base in Syria also held a ceremony.