The Russian embassy in Belgrade organised a march through the Serbian capital on Monday to commemorate the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

Serbia, which wants to join the European Union, is a long-time Russian friend who refuses to censure Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

People taking part in the so-called “Immortal Regiment” march walked in silence through downtown Belgrade, cheering from time to time, and carried pictures of their loved ones killed during the war.

A man who walked at the head of the column carried a large letter “Z”, the mark of Russia’s invasion.

Another one carried a life-size cardboard cutout of Russian President Vladimir Putin, while some waved Russian and Soviet Union flags.

Many Serbs hold a favourable view of the Kremlin while Putin sees Serbia as a foothold in Europe. There have previously been pro-Russia rallies in Serbia after Moscow’s forces entered Ukraine in February.

Monday’s march ended at the liberators’ cemetery where representatives of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Serbia laid wreaths.

Their Ukrainian peers did the same Sunday.

“People have to remember, it’s easy to forget what was going on (in World War II)… and that’s why we have such a situation” in Ukraine, Marija Devric, 31, told AFP.

The finance specialist marched in honour of her great-grandfather, who “travelled from Moscow to Berlin” during WWII.