Russian President Vladimir Putin has begun presiding over a pared-back Victory Day parade on Moscow’s Red Square, after a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine took effect.

By Guy Faulconbridge and Vladimir Soldatkin MOSCOW, May 9 (Reuters) - Russia holds its most scaled-back Victory Day parade in years on Saturday due to the threat of attack from Ukraine, where victory for Moscow's forces has proven elusive more than four years into the deadliest European conflict since World War Two.

There will be no neat rows of tanks and ballistic missile carriers rolling down the smooth cobbles of Moscow’s Red Square on Saturday, as Russia scales back what is usually a grand militaristic Victor

Russian TV viewers were shown a broadcast of soldiers on the front lines after Putin's speech.

For years, Russia’s Victory Day parade has symbolized the country’s military strength and power, with a dazzling display of heavy military equipment and a stream of visiting dignitaries.