MOSCOW President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia would do everything to avoid a clash of global powers but would not let itself be threatened, in a speech to mark the anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two.

Putin was addressing massed ranks of Russian servicemen on Red Square.

"Russia will do everything to prevent a global clash. But at the same time, we will not allow anyone to threaten us. Our strategic forces are always in a state of combat readiness," Putin said in a short speech, as flurries of snow whipped across the vast square.

After calling for a minute of silence, Putin ended with the words: "For Russia! For victory! Hurrah!", providing the cue for thousands of troops to answer with three loud cheers.

  - Reuters