Dmitry Medvedev’s first big outing as Russian president may be one he would not have chosen for himself: ­presiding on Friday over a second world war victory day celebration that will include the first display of tanks and missiles on Red Square since 1990.

The throwback to the communist past, culminating in a fly-past by military fighters, seems designed to symbolise Russia’s refound wealth and confidence, following a smooth trans­ition from Vladimir Putin to his chosen ­successor.