Russia on Saturday staged a huge military parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany in a conspicuous show of military might amid a standoff with the West over Ukraine.

Defence minister Sergei Shoigu presided over the parade on Red Square, one of the largest Victory Day festivities in recent decades. Western countries led by Russia's World War II allies are boycotting the May 9 festivities, leaving President Vladimir Putin to mark the day in the company of the leaders of China, Cuba and other Moscow-friendly figures.