In Russia and much of the former Soviet Union, May 9, or Victory Day, means big parades, open-air concerts and emotional tributes to the past.
The holiday marks the Allied defeat of Nazi Germany, with special emphasis on the role of the Soviet Red Army.
Schoolchildren lay flowers at WWII memorials — nearly every Russian town has one — and honor elderly veterans.
Orange and black ribbons, the colors of the Soviet Order of Glory, are ubiquitous.
Soviet imagery is everywhere.
It's an emotional day for Russia and Ukraine, which both suffered heavy casualties. An estimated 27 million Soviet citizens lost their lives in the war.
Young Russians and Ukrainians are sharing photos of their relatives on Instagram.
The Soviet state tapped memories of the war to build up a sense of national pride. Throughout the former Soviet Union, WWII is still known as the Great Patriotic War.
After the breakup of the Soviet Union, May 9 celebrations in Russia became more muted. Over the last decade, Vladimir Putin has again advanced WWII as a centerpiece of modern Russian identity.
With Russia and Ukraine at odds, this year's Victory Day celebrations have taken on a political cast. Russia's pro-Kremlin state media describes the Kiev government as "fascist," a particularly charged term in the former Soviet Union.
Kiev's hero city stone only one in Moscow's Alexander Gardens w/out flowers as 9 May approaches TT @EvgenyFeldman
Orange and black ribbons have become a symbol not only of Soviet military valor, but also of support for pro-Russian separatist militants in eastern Ukraine.
Ukrainian lawmakers from the Svoboda party introduced a bill that would restrict display of the ribbons. Some Ukrainians are marking May 9 with different symbols — red poppies and the blue and yellow national flag.
Amid rising tension, the Ukrainian government scaled back public events planned for May 9 in Kiev.
For the first time in #Ukraine's independent history, Victory Day celebrations curtailed due to threats of violence http://t.co/sJ1hZ6zKLa
Putin attended Victory Day celebrations in Crimea, drawing the ire of Ukraine, the U.S. and other governments that denounced Russia's annexation of the peninsula in March.
Putin in #Sevastopol: You fought back against fascist in 1945. You fought for your liberty in 2014 too.
Critics say Putin has exploited memories of WWII for political gain. "The victory in the war is the indulgence for every government sin," opposition journalist Tikhon Dzyadko wrote.
Putin Is Using WWII for Propaganda Because It's the Best Memory That Russia Has via @tnr http://t.co/Y0TYNTdKQY
In the midst of celebrations, clashes broke out in Mariupol, a city in southeastern Ukraine.
heavy weapons used on police building which is charred wreck. Locals say army attacked police for siding w- separatists, Kiev says otherwise
A real mess in Mariupol, seen 2 dead bodies outside police station, assume many more. Emotions high, trying to piece together what happened