Russian President Dmitri Medvedev laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier outside the Kremlin on Thursday.

The wreath-laying ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, Defence Minister Anatoly Serzhukov, speakers of both Houses and veterans of the great Patriotic war.

This was followed by a ceremony of awarding the title of honored soldier city to Lomonosov, Kovrov, Takanlog and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatski.

A meeting of congratulating war veterans and meritorious fighters, consolatory visits to them, military parade, celebration demonstration, concert, sports games and other colorful events took place in the capital and cities including Sankt-Petersburg on the same day. Fireworks were displayed in the sky over the cities in the evening.

There was an evening gala in Moscow on Feb. 22.

Speaking there, the Russian president expressed thanks to those who took part in battles and work during the war period. It is important to carry forward the brave tradition of soldiers, he added.

The state security is now faced with fresh challenges and the world is still in a grip of the tendency to resort to the armed forces, he said, adding this arouses concern.

It is important for all the countries to have defence capabilities, he noted, stressing that Russia needs perfect and powerful armed forces. This is not just a matter of necessity but an issue related to the existence of the country, he added.