Russia's Vladivostok starts military parade

VLADIVOSTOK - Russia's Far East city of Vladivostok held a military parade on Wednesday, leading the country in celebrating the 67th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany.

The parade was held on Vladivostok's central street Svetlanskaya, involving more than 1,200 people and 30 units of military equipment, including soldiers from Russia's Pacific Fleet and cadets from naval schools.

Vladivostok Mayor Igor Pushkarev, local parliament members and other local officials and veterans watched the parade.

Victory Day is celebrated in Russia on May 9 to mark the victory in 1945 over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War, Russia's term for the Second World War.

Newly inaugurated President Vladimir Putin laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow on Tuesday, the eve of Russia's Victory Day.