In Russia -- which lost 27 million people in the war -- an elaborate ceremony took place in Moscow. More than a dozen world leaders, including Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, were present at the event.

The ceremony in Red Square was hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin and was followed by a fireworks display.

The event recognised the Soviet Union's role in defeating the Nazis. The war which began with Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939, ended on May 8, 1945. The Second World War resulted in the the loss of 55 million lives around the world. 60 countries were engulfed in the conflict.

Photograph: MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images

Also read: What you should know about WW II