Russian President Vladimir Putin held a scaled-back Victory Day parade on Friday in Moscow. For the first time in nearly two decades there were no tanks, missiles or heavy weapons.

Security was heavy due to fears of Ukrainian attacks. Authorities cut mobile internet and text messages across Moscow during the parade.

North Korean troops marched in the parade for the first time. This marked their role fighting alongside Russian forces in the Kursk region.

Putin said Russia will always be victorious. He also pointed to World War Two sacrifices to rally support for soldiers in Ukraine.

Russia declared a short ceasefire covering Friday and Saturday. A US-brokered ceasefire running Saturday through Monday was also announced.

But neither ceasefire fully held. Both sides blamed each other for continuing attacks.

The scaled-back parade showed that Russian cities can no longer be kept safe from the war. Reports say public fatigue with the war is growing.