Channelling the Kremlin's preferred view of the geopolitical landscape, Sergei Naryshkin accused the West of trying to resist a historical shift towards a multipolar world.

The shadowy private military company, Wagner Group, has emerged over the last decade as one of the most controversial aspects of modern Russia under President Vladimir Putin.

It promises a gradual shift, saying Russia should work on an idea to widen the list of its exports requiring rouble payment.

This year’s Victory Day parade was the second during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Putin is serving his fourth term as president but with his signature, that total is now reset to zero.