Vladimir Putin's pared-back Victory Day parade felt very different this year

The BBC's Russia editor reports from a Red Square with none of the military hardware which the Kremlin normally showcases to project power internationally.

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This year's version felt very different.

In previous years I've had to sprint from the media bus that normally parks up by St Basil's Cathedral, in order to nab a decent spot in the press area at the side of the square.

No running was required this year. There were far fewer journalists at the event. Many international media organisations had not been granted access.

Once I was in position on Red Square, a Russian TV crew came up to me and started filming.