Kremlin displays drones used in Ukraine as part of WWII parade

DPA

At its annual military parade to commemorate World War II, Russia has for the first time shown off drones being used in the Ukraine war.

Several lorries carrying Orlan reconnaissance drones as well as Lancet and Iran-made Geran combat drones rolled across Red Square in the televised parade.

The latter in particular are often used to attack targets in Ukraine far behind the front line.

The Russian military also displayed tanks, armoured troop carriers and reconnaissance vehicles, howitzers, S-400 air defence systems and Yars nuclear missiles in front of international guests of state.

This year, Russia is celebrating the 80th anniversary of victory in World War II.

In his speech before the parade, Russian President Vladimir Putin equated the Soviet Union's battle against the Nazis with the war he launched against Ukraine, although the Kremlin continues to refer to it only as a "special military operation."