Russia completes construction of military cathedral

Construction on a major military cathedral in Moscow, dedicated to the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany, has been completed.

Work on the Orthodox Main Cathedral of the Russian Armed Forces ended on Saturday, the 75th anniversary of Victory Day.

Last month, the church sparked controversy when photographs were leaked of mosaics featuring Russian President Vladimir Putin and Soviet leader Joseph Stalin that were supposed to feature in the cathedral.

Plans to install the mosaics were later dropped after public outcry.

Construction work took 598 days and was financed by regional authorities and private donations.

A nearby museum will exhibit artefacts relating to the the history of the Russian Armed Forces and World War II.

The Soviet Union lost an estimated 26 million people in World War II including 8.5 million soldiers.