Russian President Vladimir Putin is celebrating Russia’s Victory Day on Friday surrounded by friendly world leaders, watching as thousands of troops marched in a parade at Moscow’s Red Square.

The two leaders, meeting in Moscow, rejected what they described as Washington’s attempt to contain them. They also hailed their friendship.

Chinese President Xi Jinping told Russia's Vladimir Putin on Thursday their two countries should be "friends of steel", as they pledged to raise cooperation to a new level and "decisively" counter the influence of the United States.