Anger as Nato troops join parade in Red Square

Nato troops marched across Red Square yesterday as Russia marked the 65th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany, a gesture of friendship to the West that won praise from US President Barack Obama but enraged Russia's Communists.

Foreign leaders including President Hu Jintao of China and German Chancellor Angela Merkel watched as more than 11,000 troops from Second World War victors Russia, the US, Britain and France paraded to the sound of a huge military band.

A detachment of Welsh Guards from Britain in their trademark red tunics and black bearskin hats marched past Lenin's mausoleum carrying assault rifles. Armed US troops from the 170th Infantry Brigade based in Germany followed shortly after.

"Our unified formation is evidence of our common willingness to defend the peace," Russian President Dmitry Medvedev told the troops. "Only together can we confront today's threats, only on the basis of good neighbourliness can we solve the problems of security."

Communists, still the country's biggest opposition party, pledged to hold a protest march in Moscow after the parade. They will chant slogans against Nato forces for marching over a hallowed square.