Russia’s new president Dmitry Medvedev issued a pointed warning against countries interfering in other states’ affairs as he watched tanks and missiles roll across Moscow’s Red Square in the annual Victory Day celebration for the first time since the Soviet era.

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A display of Russian military might

Two days after his inauguration, Mr Medvedev presided over a display by 8,000 soldiers, more than 100 tanks and armoured vehicles, and 30 aircraft and helicopters that seemed designed to highlight Russia’s regained national confidence. It also marked the end of the extended transfer of power from former president Vladimir Putin to a new arrangement in which Mr Putin will share authority with Mr Medvedev by shifting to the prime minister’s role.