VLADIMIR PUTIN vowed yesterday that the Russian people would never be enslaved as he led commemorations of the Soviet victory over nazism.

Military parades and marches in memory of the Immortal Regiment — those who fought and died to defeat fascism in World War II — were held across Russia, the former USSR and beyond.

Mr Putin presided over the annual military parade in Moscow’s Red Square.

“There was no, there is no and there will be no force that could ever enslave our people,” he declared. “They fought to the bitter end, defending their homeland, and did what seemed impossible.”

“The triumph over this terrible totalitarian power will forever remain in the history of the humankind as the largest triumph of life and reason over death and barbarity,” Mr Putin continued.

But he added: “We have to remember that the victory was gained at the price of enormous, irreparable losses.”

In a clear warning to hostile Nato powers encroaching on Russia’s western borders, the president said the new state of the art weaponry on display was needed to defend the country.

“The lessons of the past war force us to be vigilant and the Russian armed forces are ready to repel any potential attack,” he boasted.

But communists pointed out that the victory over the invader was being betrayed on the home front.

Communist Party of the Russian Federation general secretary Gennady Zyuganov told a rally: “Behind every one of us is facing new dangers. This comprador oligarchy that has sold our businesses, destroyed entire industries, stolen billions and billions, burying them in foreign banks.

“And two-thirds of people eke out an impoverished existence, with a salary and a pension of less than 15,000 rubles (£200), which is unworthy of any rich country in the world, let alone the winning nation.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent a telegram recalling that it was the Red Army which liberated the nazi death camps in 1945.

“It is hard to imagine what the world would look like today had it not been for the Russian people’s incredible sacrifice,” he said.

Residents of Syria’s largest city Aleppo also celebrated Victory Day on Monday in gratitude for Russia’s support in the fight against sectarian extremists.

Members of the Russian-speaking diaspora distributed black and orange St George’s ribbons — which have become a symbol of resistance to fascism in Ukraine and elsewhere.