Thursday marks 80 years since Victory in Europe Day, when the Allies accepted Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender. The day will be marked with memorials and moments of silence across Europe.

Even if the end of World War II in Europe spawned one of the most joyous days the continent ever lived, Thursday’s 80th anniversary of V-E Day is haunted as much by the specter of current-day conflict as it celebrates the defeat of ultimate evil.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has taken center stage at Russia’s Victory Day parade on Friday, surrounding himself by friendly world leaders in a highly choreographed show designed to show the Western world that Russia is far from isolated.

Vladimir Putin is leading Russia's Victory Day commemorations with a parade in Red Square and heightened security after days of Ukrainian strikes targeting the capital. Chinese President Xi Jingping is among more than 20 international leaders who have made the journey to Moscow.

Russia marked the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two on Friday (May 9) with a parade attended by China's Xi Jinping amid tight security to guard against Ukrainian attacks after three years of devastating war.