Russia staged a military parade on Moscow's Red Square on Saturday to celebrate the 64th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, as well as domestic and foreign guests, were present on the occasion.

Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov and Moscow Military District Commander Col. Gen. Valery Gerasimov inspected the parade and congratulated the troops on the Victory Day.

Medvedev made a speech at the parade, promising "a peaceful future" for Russia.

"Any aggression against our citizens will be met with an adequate response, and the future of Russia will be peaceful," he said.

About 9,000 soldiers and officers from the Moscow garrison participated in the parade.

The Russian Armed Forces showcased armored vehicle, tanks, infantry combat vehicles, armored personnel carriers, airborne combat vehicles, self-propelled artillery vehicles, and missile systems.

Russia's advanced S-400 Triumf air defense systems are displayed for the first time in the parade.

Some 69 aircraft, including strategic bombers, tanker planes, military cargo planes, fighter jets, assault aircraft, frontline bombers and helicopters flew over Moscow as part of the parade.

This year's event is largely considered a rehearsal for a grandiose military parade in 2010, when Russia celebrates the 65th anniversary of the victory.

(Xinhua News Agency May 9, 2009)