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- Big crowds turn out for annual parades in in Moscow and Sevastopol
- Spectators cheer as rockets, tanks and missiles are paraded through the heart of Moscow
- Russian President Vladimir Putin hails his nation's "all conquering patriotism"
- Tensions are high in eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russian activists plan a vote on autonomy
Sevastopol, Crimea (CNN) -- Crowds packed the streets of Moscow and the Crimean city of Sevastopol on Friday for Victory Day parades in an annual show of nationalistic fervor heightened by Russia's recent annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.
The military parades, held each year to mark the defeat of Nazi Germany, come amid soaring tensions in eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russian separatists are planning a weekend referendum on autonomy.
Tanks, rocket launchers and even intercontinental ballistic missiles were paraded through Red Square in a Soviet-style display of military might, as tens of thousands of people watched and cheered, waving Russian flags.
In televised remarks, Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed his nation's "all conquering patriotism."
There was also a big turnout in Sevastopol, likely boosted by speculation -- unconfirmed by the Kremlin -- that Putin might make a personal appearance for the Victory Day celebrations.
A large majority in Sevastopol, as well as across the Crimean peninsula, voted in favor of seceding from Ukraine and joining Russia in a controversial referendum in March. Moscow's annexation of the Black Sea territory, which was part of Russia until 1954 and has a majority ethnic Russian population, followed swiftly on.
Sevastopol residents told a CNN team that they were proud and happy to be part of Russia again.
Their fervor comes despite a chaotic process of transition and the continued presence on the streets of local "self-defense" units, or militias, known as the "men in green."
Not everyone is delighted by Russia's annexation of Crimea, however. The indigenous ethnic minority Tatar population opposed the move.
One local Tatar leader, Abduraman Egiz, told CNN he was beaten up by a group of "men in green" after they demanded to see his identification documents.
"We as the community, we cannot guarantee the security of our people," he said.
Less than two months after Crimea was wrested from Ukraine's grasp, there are fears other parts of the country could go the same way.
Pro-Russia separatists in eastern Ukraine said Thursday that they had decided to go ahead with a Sunday referendum on greater local powers, defying a call by Putin to postpone the vote.
Putin had urged the pro-Russia sympathizers to delay the referendum to give dialogue "the conditions it needs to have a chance."
But representatives from the council of the self-declared Donetsk People's Republic and separatists from Luhansk told reporters they had voted to press ahead to ask eastern Ukrainians there if they want sovereignty from Kiev.
The West, which also condemned Russia's annexation of Crimea, has opposed the move.
"On the local 'referenda,' we strongly emphasize that they should not take place -- neither on 11 May nor at any later date," said Maja Kocijancic, spokeswoman for the European Union's top diplomat, Catherine Ashton.
"Such unauthorized local 'referenda' have no democratic legitimacy and can only lead to further escalation."
Authorities in Ukraine have scaled back Victory Day events in the capital, Kiev, and elsewhere, anxious to avoid any big celebrations or demonstrations of support for Russia that could spark violence.
Odessa and Kharkiv have canceled all big public events, while Luhansk has asked groups to avoid gathering in the city.
The city of Donetsk, however, is pushing ahead with an official program of events, and an unofficial march and rally is planned.
In Kiev, the events will be limited to the laying of flowers by Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk and acting President Oleksandr Turchynov, a small veterans' rally and concert.
CNN's Phil Black reported from Sevastopol and Matthew Chance from Moscow, while Laura Smith-Spark wrote and reported in London.
